OTTAWA – Canada has announced a further commitment of $39 million in weapons and non-lethal military aid to Ukraine. The announcement was made by Defence Minister Anita Anand during a meeting with counterparts from the United States and other allies in Germany.
The donation includes almost $35 million in cash to help Ukraine buy fuel, first-aid kits, and other non-lethal provisions through a special NATO fund. The remaining amount will be used to purchase 40 sniper rifles and ammunition from a Winnipeg-based company. Canada will also provide new radio sets for the eight Leopard 2 tanks that it has previously donated to Ukraine.
Canada has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the country in February 2022. The country has committed over $8 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the invasion.
The recent announcement comes at a crucial time as Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive against Russian forces in the coming weeks. While the conflict has become a war of attrition over the past few months, the provision of Western weapons is expected to help Ukraine regain some momentum.
Canada’s contribution is a significant one and demonstrates its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The provision of non-lethal aid and sniper rifles will help Ukrainian forces maintain a tactical advantage on the battlefield, while new radio sets will help them communicate more effectively.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s security is commendable. It sends a strong message to Russia that the international community is united in its support for Ukraine and will continue to assist it in its efforts to defend its sovereignty.