Canada's Trudeau heads to European defense summit in London

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau departed for London on March 1 to take part in a European defense summit focused on shaping the conditions for a lasting peace in Ukraine.

The gathering, initially planned as a high-level European meeting, has gained new urgency with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s attendance, following his tense exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Feb. 28.

Zelensky had traveled to Washington expecting to finalize a critical minerals deal with the U.S., but the agreement fell apart after he pushed for security guarantees alongside economic cooperation. Trump responded with visible frustration, escalating tensions between the two leaders and casting doubt on future American support for Kyiv.

The fallout from the meeting has reinforced European concerns about Trump’s stance on Ukraine and prompted fresh discussions on strengthening Europe’s independent defense efforts.

Earlier this month, Trump’s overtures toward Russia alarmed European leaders, accelerating their efforts to enhance Ukraine’s military support.

European governments increasingly view Ukraine’s security as integral to their own, and Sunday’s summit in London is expected to focus on how to fill the gaps left by uncertain U.S. backing. France, Germany, and the U.K. have been leading discussions on increased defense funding and alternative security arrangements for Kyiv.

Canada was not initially listed among the invited participants when U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined plans for the meeting during his recent visit to Washington.

Trudeau’s decision to attend signals Canada’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine and its role in broader transatlantic security discussions. While Ottawa has provided substantial military and financial aid to Kyiv, it remains to be seen what new commitments, if any, Canada will bring to the table.