Canada commits lethal weapons and ammunition in support of Ukraine

Today, the Government of Canada announced that it has authorized the provision of additional military assistance to the government of Ukraine to further help the Ukrainian security forces defend against Russia’s unwanted and escalating aggression against Ukraine.

Canada will donate over $7 million of lethal weapons and assorted support items to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This equipment includes machine guns, pistols, carbines, 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, sniper rifles, and various related equipment.

Canada stands resolute in its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence and continues to condemn Russian aggression as it builds up its military forces around Ukraine. Canada remains committed to a diplomatic solution and continues to call on Russia to de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue. As previously stated, any further aggression on the part of Russia will be met with serious consequences, including through coordinated sanctions, and Canada continues to work with allies and partners on a coordinated response.

Together with the financial contributions announced today by the Government of Canada, as well as earlier donations of non-lethal assistance, these measures represent a significant and coordinated response from Canada to the developing situation in Ukraine. Canada, along with our allies and partners, remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its people as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s destabilizing actions. 

Quotes

“Canada is deeply concerned by Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine, which presents a significant threat to the rules-based international order. Following conversations with our Ukrainian partners, including during my recent trip to Ukraine, Canada has authorized the provision of defensive weapons to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. I remain in close contact with my Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Reznikov, and alongside our allies, we will continue to support Ukraine as it protects itself against Russia’s unwarranted aggression.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“Canada remains resolute in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Canada will continue to work closely with the Ukrainian government and allies in the region to protect Ukraine’s security and economic resilience.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• Today’s donation adds to the more than $23 million of military equipment – including communications gear, a mobile field hospital, explosive disposal equipment, and body armour – that Canada has already given to Ukraine since 2015.
• Since 2014, Canada has provided Ukraine with more than $890 million in multifaceted assistance to support Ukraine’s security, prosperity, and reform objectives. In the long-term, reforms are the most effective strategy for building Ukraine’s resilience to Russian aggression.
• Through Canada’s Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Canada is currently supporting over $16 million in ongoing multi-year programming focused on security sector and defence reform in Ukraine, including a strong focus on advancing Ukraine’s Women Peace and Security National Action Plan. 
• Since the start of Operation UNIFIER, Canadian troops have conducted more than 700 courses, training more than 33,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in battlefield tactics, maneuver, and other advanced military skills.
• Since Russia’s attempted annexation and illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 440 individuals and entities, many in coordination with allies.