Canada strengthens Ukraine’s security with additional $410 mln aid package

At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new funding and projects worth CAD541 million ($410 million) to support Ukraine and strengthen transatlantic security.

Rubryka reports, referring to the website of the head of the Canadian government.

"The new funding for Ukraine builds on the over $8 billion in multifaceted assistance Canada has dedicated since the beginning of 2022 and builds on the announcement the Prime Minister made in Latvia this week to renew and expand Operation REASSURANCE, part of NATO's defense and deterrence measures in Eastern Europe, and double Canada's current presence in the country," said the statement on the website of the head of the Canadian government on Wednesday.

According to the prime minister, Canada intends to provide Ukraine with additional drones with cameras. It will also provide training for the Ukrainian military as part of Operation Unifier in Canada.

The Prime Minister also announced an additional CAD48.8 million ($37 million) to the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, on top of the CAD34.6 million announced in April 2023, which will support NATO's provision of practical non-lethal assistance to Ukraine through free transfers of materials, including fuel, bridge equipment, walkie-talkies, and first aid equipment.

"Canada, along with Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, signed a statement to establish a joint coalition for the training of the Ukrainian Air Force in operating and maintaining the F-16 fighter aircraft. By signing the statement, Canada commits to contributing to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and support staff to operate and maintain the F-16 fighter aircraft," the message reads.

Trudeau also announced the allocation of additional assistance to Ukraine in the field of cyber security in the amount of CAD2.7 million ($2.05).

President Volodymyr Zelenskyi held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Vilnius Summit. They discussed security guarantees for Ukraine on its way to NATO. Zelensky thanked Justin and Canada for strengthening Ukrainian soldiers with armored vehicles.

As Rubryka reported, on June 15, at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, several states announced new packages of military aid, in particular, Canada.