Defence Minister Anand participates in Copenhagen Conference for Northern European Defence Allies of Ukraine
News release
August 11, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand, participated virtually in the Copenhagen Conference for Northern European Defence Allies of Ukraine, which aims to determine how Northern European Allies and other partners can strengthen our collaboration and enhance our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable, and illegal attack.
During the Conference, hosted by Denmark, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, participants from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United States, discussed additional available military aid for Ukraine. Discussions centred on long-term support to help advance Ukraine’s defence capabilities, including necessities such as equipment, finance, and training, to address current and future needs as the conflict evolves.
Last week, Minister Anand announced the authorization of the deployment of up to 225 Canadian Armed Forces personnel under Operation (Op) UNIFIER to the United Kingdom, to train new recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Minister also confirmed that an agreement has been achieved to supply Ukraine with 39 armoured combat support vehicles to address Ukraine’s most pressing battlefield needs. Canada remains committed to providing Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid it needs to help ensure the nation is well-equipped, prepared, and able to continue defending its freedom and independence.
Quotes
“At this crucial time for Euro-Atlantic security, Canada’s commitment to the sovereignty and security of Ukraine continues to be unwavering. We have provided Ukraine over $600 million in comprehensive military aid since February, including the deployment this week of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to the United Kingdom under Operation UNIFIER, and 39 armoured combat support vehicles built by Canadian industry that will begin arriving in Ukraine in the coming weeks. Today’s conference was a welcome forum to meet with our Allies and partners and emphasize how we will continue to work around the clock to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs in the face of Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable attack.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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Since February 2022, Canada has committed or delivered $626 million in military aid, including the complete allocation of $500 million in military support for Ukraine announced in Budget 2022.
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Op UNIFIER is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission to support the Security Forces of Ukraine. Since the start of Op UNIFIER, in September of 2015, the CAF has trained over 33,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in battlefield tactics and advanced military skills. As the mission progressed, much of the direct training undertaken by CAF members transitioned to members of the Security Forces of Ukraine, with Canadians acting as advisors and mentors as well as assisting in the development of courses.
Associated links
Contacts
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: daniel.minden@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca