Secretary of State Sarai concludes visit to Ukraine and Poland

April 3, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Over four years ago, Russia began its brutal full-scale war against Ukraine, shattering the lives of Ukrainians and threatening global stability and peace. As the humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to grow, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), visited Ukraine and Poland, reaffirming Canada’s steadfast support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.

Secretary of State Sarai announced $51.1 million in international assistance funding to help Ukraine respond to urgent humanitarian needs while advancing longer-term recovery and reform priorities. Canada’s support will help address immediate needs such as health care, food, shelter and protection services, strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to deliver inclusive public services, support veterans and their families and lay the foundations for a resilient economy.

While in Ukraine, Secretary of State Sarai met with senior Ukrainian leadership, including Yulia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister; Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development; Nataliia Kalmykova, Minister of Veterans Affairs; and Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity. Discussions focused on the immediate consequences of the war, including humanitarian needs, population displacement, pressure on public services, the building of a reliable and secure energy grid, support for veterans and their families, the trauma experienced by returned children and the situation of vulnerable populations. He also engaged on longer‑term recovery and reconstruction priorities, including institutional reform, economic stabilization and energy security. The Secretary of State reaffirmed Canada’s continued engagement in support of the people of Ukraine as they manage the ongoing impacts of the war.

Secretary of State Sarai met with partners and civil society organizations supporting children and adolescents affected by war, including initiatives that provide trauma‑informed psychosocial support, mentorship and safe spaces. Canada recognizes the immense suffering endured by Ukraine’s children, including displaced children and those forcibly transferred or deported by Russia, and remains committed to supporting efforts that protect their rights, dignity and future.

The Secretary of State met with Ukrainian business leaders to discuss reconstruction priorities, including in the energy sector, and opportunities to better align development programming with trade and investment initiatives to help build sustainable economic growth. Recognizing the scale and complexity of reconstruction needs, Canada is exploring ways to leverage private‑sector financing and innovative funding mechanisms.

While in Poland, Secretary of State Sarai met with Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State and National Coordinator for International Development Cooperation at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Eliza Zeidler, Secretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets, to discuss Poland’s ongoing role in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including through hosting the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference.

Secretary of State Sarai’s visit to Poland also included engagements with displaced Ukrainians and organizations that support them, providing him the opportunity to hear about their experiences and learn about ongoing supports, as well as Ukrainians’ contributions to the Polish economy. While in Warsaw, he also met with community leaders working to promote democratic values and regional stability, including by providing housing, health and psychosocial supports to former Belarusian political prisoners.