Charting Ukraine’s Pathway Toward a Just Peace: Canada & NATO Allies Reaffirm Commitment

On February 23, 2026, the NATO Association of Canada (NAOC), in partnership with the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Embassies of Ukraine and Lithuania in Canada, convened a high-level panel discussion entitled “Charting Ukraine’s Pathway Toward a Just Peace with Canada & NATO Allies.”

Held in the Wellington Building in Ottawa, the event marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched on February 24, 2022. More than 150 senior government representatives, policymakers, defence leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians, and members of the Ukrainian diaspora gathered to reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine and to discuss the strategic foundations of a just and sustainable peace.

Opening Remarks: Unity Across Political Lines

The event commenced with remarks from NAOC Chief of Staff Bogdana Torbina, who reiterated a fundamental truth that must not be forgotten four years into the war: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was illegal, unjustified, and unprovoked.

The Honourable David Collenette, former Minister of National Defence and current Chair of the NATO Association of Canada, followed with opening reflections. He emphasized that Canada’s support for Ukraine transcends partisan lines and represents a shared commitment to defending freedom, democracy, and sovereignty — core principles underpinning the NATO alliance.

Mr. Collenette warned that if Ukraine does not emerge victorious, the erosion of these principles will extend far beyond its borders. The outcome of this war carries profound implications for the broader international order.

Parliamentary Support: Victory as the Foundation of Peace

Member of Parliament Yvan Baker, Chair of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, underscored that Russia will not stop at Ukraine if it is allowed to succeed. He stressed that Ukraine must restore its territorial integrity and that accountability for war crimes remains indispensable. A just and sustainable peace, he argued, cannot be negotiated from a position of military weakness.

MP James Bezan, Vice-Chair of the Friendship Group, echoed these sentiments. While acknowledging the universal desire for peace, he emphasized the necessity of a clear strategy to ensure Ukraine’s military victory. He highlighted the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity of Ukrainian forces, including their successful operations against the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

MP Martin Champoux reinforced Canada’s cross-party unity in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the need for sustained humanitarian, military, and economic assistance. The presence of representatives from across the political spectrum demonstrated Canada’s consolidated position against Russian aggression.

A Sobering Strategic Warning from Lithuania

Ambassador of Lithuania to Canada, His Excellency Egidijus Meilūnas, delivered one of the most direct interventions of the morning. He rejected the narrative that Russia’s aggression was driven by NATO expansion, asserting instead that it reflects a deeply rooted imperial mindset sustained by decades of impunity.

Ambassador Meilūnas cautioned that Russia demonstrates no genuine interest in peace and that failure to hold it accountable poses tangible risks to NATO territory. He called for strengthened sanctions, deeper international isolation of Russia, and unwavering support for Ukraine’s accession to both the European Union and NATO.

Panel Discussion: Resilience, Reform, and Reconstruction

Moderated by Dr. Alexander Salt of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, the panel featured:

• H.E. Andrii Plakhotniuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada

• H.E. Tjorven Bellmann, Ambassador of Germany to Canada

• Ms. Jocelyn Kinnear, Director General of the Ukraine Task Force, Global Affairs Canada

Ms. Kinnear highlighted that while Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience, endurance should not be misinterpreted as invulnerability. Ukraine requires sustained and structured allied support, particularly as it continues to endure daily attacks while defending over 1,000 kilometers of active frontline.

Ambassador Bellmann addressed the complexities of achieving consensus within the European Union, particularly regarding the seizure of frozen Russian assets. While unanimity on confiscation has not yet been reached, EU members have extended the permanent freeze of these assets. Germany, she affirmed, will continue advocating for decisive measures to ensure that peace becomes Russia’s only viable option.

Ambassador Plakhotniuk emphasized that economic engagement with Ukraine must not wait until the war concludes. Ukraine’s rapidly developing defense-tech ecosystem presents immediate opportunities for investment and cooperation. He also underscored ongoing institutional and anti-corruption reforms aimed at meeting NATO and EU standards — demonstrating Ukraine’s reliability as a long-term strategic partner.

Planning for the Day After

In his closing remarks, Mr. Collenette reaffirmed that planning for Ukraine’s reconstruction must begin now. While Russia will bear significant responsibility for rebuilding the country, the magnitude of destruction necessitates a firm and coordinated financial commitment from Western allies.

Across all interventions, a common principle emerged clearly: sustainable peace can only be achieved if it is just, and it must adhere to the guiding maxim — nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

Among the invited participants was Nadiya Yashan, who attended the event in her capacity as Advisor in Canada to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.