Canada sends 11,000 assault rifles to Ukraine in new military aid package

Canada will provide Ukraine with over 11,000 assault rifles and over 9 million rounds of ammunition for small arms, says PM Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau emphasized that Russia's aggression against Ukraine continues and that Ukraine needs support to defend itself.

"Canada is transferring more than 11,000 assault rifles and more than 9 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine," Trudeau said.

It is unclear what kind of rifles the Canadian government decided to transfer to Ukraine, but it might local version of the Colt M16 or Colt M16 under the names Diemaco C7 and Diemaco C8, respectively.

Ukrainian forces have used these rifles since about mid-spring 2022 but have been widely used since summer and fall.

Trudeau made the announcement at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.

"Canada will provide Ukraine with additional small arms and ammunition worth nearly 60 million Canadian dollars," Trudeau said.

Funds for the purchase of these weapons will be allocated from the 500 million dollar defense assistance budget for Ukraine announced in June.

The two politicians also discussed toughening sanctions against Russia.

Since January 2022, Canada has already allocated over $8.9 billion in comprehensive support to Ukraine, including $4.95 billion in direct financial support and over $1.8 billion in military assistance.

In early October, Canada provided Ukraine with a new defense assistance package to help it fight through the cold season.

The government approved sending Leopard 2 tanks, air defense systems, artillery for armored vehicles, and ammunition.

Since Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,600 individuals and legal entities.

At a meeting of national security and foreign policy advisors in late October, Canadian representatives proposed creating a coalition of countries to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russian forces.