Trudeau to push for long-term security for Ukraine at European summit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the European Defence Summit: A Push for Ukraine’s Long-Term Security

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in London today, joining a host of European leaders for a critical summit focused on European defence. The gathering comes at a pivotal moment, as global leaders strive to establish the groundwork for a lasting peace in Ukraine, even as Washington appears to be scaling back its involvement. The summit serves as a platform for leaders to strategize ways to prevent further Russian aggression, following its invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Canada’s High Commissioner to the U.K., Ralph Goodale, underscored the summit’s objective: securing "long-term security guarantees" that would enable Ukrainians to live without the constant threat of oppression from an unpredictable neighbor. For Trudeau, the trip is not just about diplomacy; it’s also an opportunity to reaffirm Canada’s role on the global stage and solidify its relationships with European allies.

Trudeau’s Bilateral Meeting and Press Conference: Strengthening Ties

Trudeau’s schedule in London includes a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including defence, trade, and mutual support for Ukraine. Following the meeting, Trudeau will address Canadian media during an afternoon press conference, providing updates on the summit’s progress and Canada’s commitments. The Prime Minister is set to return to Ottawa on Monday, bringing with him insights and potential agreements from the summit that could shape Canada’s foreign policy in the months to come. These interactions highlight Trudeau’s efforts to maintain and strengthen Canada’s relationships with European nations, particularly as the global security landscape continues to evolve.

Canada’s Strategic Interest: Solidarity and Relevance in Europe

According to Carleton University professor Stephen Saideman, Trudeau’s presence at the summit is driven by Canada’s desire to remain relevant in European security discussions. Saideman, who is also the director of the Canadian Defence and Security Network, notes that Canada’s primary interest is to avoid being forgotten as Europe charts its own security course without the same level of support from Washington. "Canada’s biggest interest is to be not forgotten," he said. "Mostly this is about solidarity." At a time when the U.S. appears to be backing away from its traditional role as a global security guarantor, Canada is stepping in to reinforce its commitment to European security. Trudeau’s message to European leaders is likely to emphasize the importance of standing together against external pressures, including economic coercion, and coordinating responses to challenges like retaliatory tariffs.

The Shifting European Security Landscape: Implications for Canada

The summit takes place against the backdrop of a shifting European security landscape, with many leaders grappling with the implications of reduced U.S. involvement. Saideman pointed out that the security challenges facing Europe are not isolated to the continent but are part of a broader Euro-Atlantic challenge. Trudeau, in this context, can offer Europeans continued access to North Atlantic security infrastructure, ensuring that the alliance remains robust even as the U.S. distances itself. This approach not only solidifies Canada’s role in global security but also underscores the interconnected nature of modern geopolitical challenges. "The problems that Europe faces are not just European, they’re part of the Western community of states," Saideman said. By framing the issue in these terms, Trudeau can help Europeans see Canada as a reliable partner in addressing shared threats.

The Summit’s Agenda: From Statements to Action

While the summit is expected to feature strong statements of support for Ukraine, particularly in the wake of recent developments at the White House, the real challenge lies in turning these words into actionable commitments. One potential area of focus is the use of frozen Russian assets in Europe to fund Ukraine’s war effort, a move that could provide much-needed resources to the embattled nation. Additionally, the summit may explore deeper integration of Ukraine into European structures, both economically and politically, as a means of bolstering its resilience. Saideman also suggested that Canada might consider alternative military procurement strategies, such as replacing F-35 fighter jets from American firms with Eurofighter planes, though such a move could lead to legal challenges over existing contracts. These ideas reflect a broader need for creative thinking in addressing the complex security challenges at hand. "We’re in a moment where we need some imagination about possibilities," Saideman said.

A New Era of Global Relations: Rethinking Alliances

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the summit is the growing recognition that the global security dynamics are undergoing a fundamental shift. With the U.S. increasingly viewed as an unpredictable actor under the Trump administration, European nations and Canada are being forced to rethink their alliances and strategies. Saideman highlighted the challenges posed by figures like Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom he described as a "white supremacist Christian nationalist," and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, whom he accused of acting as "a Russian agent." The inclusion of such individuals in key roles, he argued, signals a U.S. administration that is actively antagonistic toward democratic allies and more aligned with authoritarian regimes. In this context, Europeans and Canadians must begin to view the U.S. in a different light—as a potential adversary rather than a reliable ally. The summit in London represents an early step in this reorientation, as leaders seek to build new partnerships and fortify existing ones to address the challenges of an increasingly unstable world. The coming months will reveal whether these efforts can translate into meaningful action, shaping the course of global security for years to come.