Stag Special
Defence Minister Anita Anand visited Kyiv, Ukraine, to reaffirm Canada’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and to meet with Ukrainian officials, including Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov.
Anand announced Canada will donate 200 Senator Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to Ukraine. This new package of military assistance responds to a specific Ukrainian request for these vehicles, which are being purchased from Roshel, a Canadian company based in Mississauga, Onta.
This aid is valued at more than $90-million and is allocated as part of the additional $500-million in military aid for Ukraine announced by Prime Minister Trudeau last November.
Senator APCs are security task vehicles which are easily maneuverable and adaptable. The vehicles offer state-of-the-art, best-in-class technology and weapons can easily be mounted on them.
These vehicles allow for the safe transport of personnel and equipment, and medical evacuations. The vehicles’ armour will help shield troops when they are unable to avoid danger.
Anand announced this news alongside her Ukrainian counterpart, Reznikov, with whom she held a productive bilateral meeting.
During their meeting, Anand and Reznikov discussed how Canada can continue to meet Ukraine’s pressing defence needs. Minister Reznikov commended Canada for the more than $1-billion in military assistance committed to Ukraine since February 2022.
This assistance includes a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, M777 Howitzers and associated ammunition, and more.
“When I visited Ukraine almost one year ago, I saw a country full of talented, ambitious people who simply want to live in peace and security. Their love of freedom inspired me then, and today, it inspires the whole world,” she said. “During today’s productive visit to Kyiv, I met with Ukrainian officials including my friend and colleague, Minister Reznikov, to learn about Ukraine’s most pressing security needs, and to reaffirm Canada’s steadfast support. Today’s donation of 200 armoured vehicles demonstrates our continued commitment to the security of the Ukrainian people.”
Reznikov updated Canada’s Defence Minister on the state of the conflict, and Anand strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian population centres and critical infrastructure. She reiterated Canada will continue to provide Ukraine with the defensive capabilities that it needs to fight and win.
She also updated Reznikov on the progress of Op UNIFIER — Canada’s training mission for Ukrainian personnel, currently active in the United Kingdom and Poland. Approximately 230 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel are currently deployed on Op UNIFIER, which has trained more than 35,000 Ukrainian security forces personnel since its launch in 2015.
Anand highlighted ongoing efforts by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Air Mobility Detachment based in Prestwick, Scotland to transport Ukraine-bound military aid donated by Canada, Allies, and partners, and noted Canada has transported over six-million pounds of Ukraine-bound military aid within Europe so far.
The ministers also discussed their upcoming participation in this week’s meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), scheduled for Jan. 20, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
The ministers agreed on the importance of the UDCG as a forum where Ukraine’s partners can hear directly from Ukrainian officials about the country’s most pressing defence needs, while initiating long-term strategic planning. The ministers resolved to continue frequent discussions on a bilateral basis.
As Ukrainians fight heroically to defend their country from Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable actions, Canada remains committed to providing them with the support they need.
Quick facts
• Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed more than $5-billion in direct financial, military, humanitarian, and other assistance to Ukraine.
• Including this more recent announcement, Canada has committed more than $1-billion in military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022.
• Earlier this month, the Defence Minister announced Canada is purchasing a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated munitions from the United States to donate to Ukraine. This high-priority donation, valued at approximately $406-million, is the first Canadian donation of an air defence system to Ukraine. This will assist Ukraine’s efforts to protect population centres, critical infrastructure, and military targets.
• The Senator APC donation and the NASAMS donation the Defence Minister announced earlier this month, represent the full allocation of the additional $500-million in military aid for Ukraine which Prime Minister Trudeau announced last November.
• Canada has donated a combination of eight commercial pattern armoured vehicles and Senator APCs purchased from Roshel to Ukraine. This donation was announced last April and the vehicles were delivered to Ukraine last May.
• Since late March 2022, the CAF has been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine within Europe from Canada and on behalf of our Allies and partners, transporting over six million pounds of military donations to date.
• CAF personnel are currently deployed to both the United Kingdom and Poland to assist with the training of members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under Op UNIFIER, Canada’s military training and capacity building mission in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Since the start of Op UNIFIER in 2015, the CAF has trained more than 35,000 members of the security forces of Ukraine in battlefield tactics and advanced military skills.
