Manitoba to help with Ukraine reconstruction

CALGARY — The Manitoba government has signed an agreement with an area of Ukraine to support reconstruction efforts.

Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement in Calgary following the G7 leaders summit in nearby Kananaskis.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been scheduled to meet with Kinew but left early.

Zelenskyy told the G7 that overnight Russian attacks killed 15 and injured more than 150 in Ukraine and he called for support from allies.

Kinew signed a memorandum of understanding to support the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces.

The premier says the partnership reflects Manitoba’s unwavering support for Ukraine, as the province has welcomed more than 30,000 Ukrainians since the Russian invasion began in 2022.

“Our province is home to a vibrant Ukrainian community that has contributed immensely to our cultural and economic fabric,” Kinew said in a statement Tuesday.

“Through this MOU, we are deepening our ties and standing in solidarity with Kherson. We are committed to helping Ukraine rebuild during the war and as a free country after.”

The agreement calls for collaboration in areas including agriculture, economic development, education and health care.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson regional administration, signed the document as well.

“This is an important step in strengthening Kherson Region’s international co-operation,” said Prokudin.

“We are grateful for the trust and support, and we sincerely value the solidarity of the Canadian people. We believe that together with our partners in Manitoba, we will be able to implement many meaningful initiatives for our region,” he said in the release.

— The Canadian Press