United to win: Canada sends pickup trucks with demining equipment to aid Ukraine

Ukraine's State Special Transport Service received 13 off-road vehicles with demining equipment from Canada.

The Embassy of Canada in Ukraine reports this on the X social network.

What is the problem?

Following the full-scale aggression of Russia, approximately 23% of Ukraine's territory may now be at risk of containing explosive devices. In the single month of September 2024, Russia deployed a total of 1,339 attack drones in Ukraine.

Every day, in various parts of the country, missile and drone fragments are falling, potentially containing unexploded ammunition or harmful substances. This poses a significant threat to the lives and well-being of Ukrainians.

What is the solution?

Canada provided 13 off-road vehicles with demining equipment to the National Special Transport Service.

"The cars will help to increase the mobility and efficiency of demining in Ukraine," the embassy said.

How does it work?

The cars and equipment were purchased together using funds from the Canadian government and the HALO Foundation.

It should be noted that the Canadian state budget allocates about $58 million over three years to implement several programs to support peace and security in Ukraine, including humanitarian demining.

The government says that since 2022, Canada has allocated $4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

For reference:

According to reports, the Canadian Ministry of Defense has stated that the initial shipment of LAV armored personnel carriers has been delivered to Ukraine. The LAV–25, which stands for light armored vehicle, is a reconnaissance vehicle used by the Canadian Army and the US Marine Corps. The exact number of vehicles delivered has not been disclosed.

In addition, Canada announced in October that it would provide Ukraine with a military aid package worth C$64.8 million (US$47 million), which will include ammunition, small arms, and protective equipment.

Also, in October, Canada allocated a loan of 400 million Canadian dollars (300 million US dollars) to Ukraine. Since February 2022, Canada has been among Ukraine's top five donors of budgetary support.

Since the start of the full-scale war, Canada has provided $5.4 billion in direct budget support. For 2024, Canada has already allocated $1.9 billion in loans.

It's important to note that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the NATO summit in Washington. During the meeting, Trudeau announced an extra 500 million Canadian dollars of military aid for Ukraine.

In addition, at the end of October last year, at a meeting of advisers on national security and foreign policy, Canadian representatives proposed to create a coalition of countries that would facilitate the return of Ukrainian children deported by the aggressor country.

Also, as a leading country in the Coalition for Strengthening the Potential of the Ukrainian Air Force, Canada has undertaken to train Ukrainian pilots over the next five years.