Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had an in-depth conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which key issues of security and anti-corruption policy were discussed.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Strengthening Air Defense and Enhancing Cooperation with Canada
According to Zelensky, special attention during the dialogue was paid to the necessity of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense through additional systems and missiles. Furthermore, the parties considered opportunities to increase funding for joint drone production, particularly interceptors, which would enhance the country’s defense capabilities. The President also emphasized the importance of continuing sanctions pressure against the Russian Federation.
“We discussed our needs, primarily strengthening air defense with additional systems and missiles, as well as increasing funding for joint drone production, particularly interceptors. We also talked about sanctions against Russia,” he wrote on Telegram.
Support for the Bill on the Independence of Anti-Corruption Bodies
A separate topic of discussion was Canada’s support for legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring the independence and effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure. Zelensky stressed that the adoption of the relevant bill should protect anti-corruption bodies from any influence and interference from the Russian Federation. He highlighted the importance of voting in the Verkhovna Rada on this bill, which is scheduled for July 31.
The Canadian side is currently refraining from official comments regarding this conversation.
On the same day, Zelensky also spoke with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. During the conversation, they also discussed the bill aimed at guaranteeing the independence of anti-corruption bodies, which has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The leaders agreed that Parliament should adopt it as soon as possible.
It is known that on July 22, the Verkhovna Rada supported bill No. 12414, which, according to experts, limited the independence of NABU and SAP. NABU Head Semen Kryvonos called on the president to veto the document, but Zelensky signed it the same day. This decision sparked a wave of protests within the country and concern among Western partners.
In response, Zelensky submitted a new bill to Parliament aimed at strengthening the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. NABU positively assessed the president’s initiative, noting that bill No. 13533 restores all necessary procedural powers and guarantees the independence of anti-corruption bodies.