Update on Canada’s Defensive Efforts in Ukraine
Canada has been steadfast in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. We are alarmed by Russian aggression in and around Ukraine.
Since 2015, Canada has been providing military training to Ukraine under Operation UNIFIER by training over 32,000 of their security forces to help ensure Ukraine remains sovereign, secure, and stable. Yesterday, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland to announce $340 million for the extension and expansion of Operation UNIFIER.
Extension of Operation UNIFIER
We are extending Operation UNIFIER for three years, as well as the immediate deployment of 60 personnel to join the approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground—with the ability to surge to 400. Operation UNIFIER harmonizes its efforts with other nations through a Multinational Joint Commission. This commission includes Canada, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Since 2015, Canadian troops have conducted more than 600 courses, training more than 33,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in a range of tactical and advanced military skills. The expanded training mission will be made up of a rotational deployment of roughly 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel every six months with the ability to surge to 400. They operate in several locations throughout Ukraine.
Additionally, Canada is providing non-lethal aid and working with the Canadian Security Establishment to enhance cyber operations.
Emergency Funding & Aid for Ukraine
Canada is also providing $50 million to deliver development and humanitarian aid in Ukraine, which the Government of Ukraine will use to improve its crisis management and emergency response capacity including preparing for an increased number of internally displaced persons.
This support is in addition to the offer of a loan of up to $120 million to Ukraine announced last week. In the coming days, Canadian and Ukrainian officials will meet to discuss the terms of the loan and set a timeline for its implementation.
Additionally, Canada is creating a team out of Global Affairs Canada to support further coordination of federal efforts in support of peace and security in Ukraine. With these additional resources Canada will be able to continue to assess and respond to the ongoing and escalating situation.
Canada-Ukraine Relations
These efforts demonstrate Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people through this strengthened contribution to a peaceful resolution, in coordination with our allies and partners. Canada was the first western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence, and Canada and Ukraine continue to share a close relationship. Everything we do is motivated by our pursuit of de-escalation and a diplomatic solution.
Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 440 individuals and entities, many in coordination with our allies, since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Our position is clear: Russia must de-escalate, show transparency in its military activities and engage in meaningful dialogue. Any further military incursion into Ukraine will have serious consequences, including coordinated sanctions.
Does Canada support NATO membership for Ukraine?
Canada fully supports NATO’s Open Door Policy, and welcomes Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Ukraine’s current Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP) status is an important recognition by NATO of the progress that Ukraine has made, and of Ukraine’s significant and valued contributions to NATO operations and exercises. Canada remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and the people of Ukraine.
Is Canada at-risk from Russian state-backed malicious cyber activity?
In light of rapidly evolving cyber risks, specifically known Russian-backed cyber threats, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) recently provided advice to critical Canadian organizations so that they can defend Canadian networks and deter cyber threats before they reach our systems. On January 19, 2022, CSE issued a bulletin urging critical Canadian organizations to increase their vigilance in this context and to conduct proactive network monitoring and mitigations.
Canadians can rest assured that our country is well-positioned to respond – and is taking the steps needed – to defend our national cybersecurity interests, in line with the steps that our Five Eyes partners are taking.
Will Canada provide lethal aid in the future?
This is an evolving situation and we continue to engage our partners and allies, always considering what else we can do. But this is us stepping up now, with support to meet the moment, as we keep working alongside allies to de-escalate and deter Russian aggression. We will continue to consider a range of options.
Consular information
Canadians in Ukraine should register through the Registration of Canadians Abroad in order to receive updates on the situation in Ukraine.
Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance in Ukraine should call the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine in Kyiv at 380 (44) 590-3100 or e-mail: KYIV-Consular@international.gc.ca.
Canadians may also contact Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613 996 8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658 or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca
