Carney backs Ukraine energy ceasefire but challenges U.S.-Russia diesel deal
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب
Prime Minister Mark Carney backed efforts Sunday to halt attacks on energy infrastructure in the Russia-Ukraine war while sharply distancing Canada from a new U.S.-Russia arrangement that would send millions of tonnes of Russian diesel to the United States. Carney set out the two positions during separate October 11 calls with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In his conversation with Trump, Carney expressed Canada's support for what the Prime Minister's Office described as an energy ceasefire and said attacks on energy infrastructure and civilians should stop immediately. He also joined Zelenskyy in calling on Russia to respect the arrangement.
The diesel agreement drew a markedly different response. During his call with Zelenskyy, Carney said the U.S.-Russia deal would provide Moscow with additional revenue and run counter to efforts by Canada, Ukraine and their allies to build pressure for a lasting peace.
Trump announced on October 9 that Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, with substantially larger volumes expected later. The move is intended to bolster supply amid elevated fuel prices, but it has drawn criticism from Ukraine and lawmakers in Washington concerned about easing economic pressure on Moscow.
Carney also used his call with Trump to underline Canada's role as a major energy supplier to the United States, saying Canada would continue maximizing oil and diesel exports south of the border.
Canada, meanwhile, intends to maintain sanctions against Russia and tighten them where Ottawa believes doing so would be effective. Carney also reaffirmed Canada's military and political support for Ukraine and discussed further coordination on Ukrainian air defence with Zelenskyy.
The status of the proposed energy ceasefire remained uncertain Sunday. Trump announced that it would take effect immediately, while Zelenskyy said Ukraine was prepared to halt attacks on Russian energy facilities if Moscow reciprocated. Russian strikes on Ukraine were still being reported after the announcement.
