Von der Leyen wants to put European household savings “at the service” of businesses

OTTAWA—The Canadian government's announcement of a new aid package for Ukraine has generated negative reactions among some sectors of the population, particularly due to the amount allocated to strengthening the European country's defense and infrastructure. The measure, announced this Thursday, includes hundreds of millions of dollars earmarked for reinforcing Ukraine's air defense capabilities and supporting its energy infrastructure, at a time when the conflict with Russia continues. The announcement coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to western Canada, where he held official activities and meetings related to cooperation between the two countries. The criticism expressed by some Canadians focuses on the cost to public finances of maintaining economic and military support for Ukraine, particularly given the economic and social pressures the Canadian government is facing. Canada has remained one of the Western allies supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, participating in both economic assistance programs and military and humanitarian cooperation initiatives. The new commitment also comes amid close coordination between Canada and the European Union to maintain support for Kyiv and strengthen its capabilities against Russia. While the Canadian government maintains that aid to Ukraine is part of its commitment to international security and the defense of its allies, its critics question the extent of that support and how much Canada should contribute to a conflict taking place outside its borders.