441-02291 (Foreign affairs)

Canada is steadfast in our support for Ukraine and Ukrainians as they bravely defend their freedoms, and ours. Canada has from the very start, going back to 2014, condemned Russia’s clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Canada continues to strongly condemn Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable, and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s war is a flagrant violation of international law, including the UN Charter. Russia’s actions threaten global peace and security. Russia is blatantly attempting to undermine Ukraine’s independence, as well as the rights of Ukrainians to freedom, democracy, and self-determination.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has committed over $14 billion in multifaceted assistance including financial, military, humanitarian, development, security and stabilization assistance. Specifically, Canada has committed over $4 billion in security and military assistance to Ukraine, including lethal military equipment such as small arms and ammunition, light anti-armour weapons, grenades, M777 howitzers, armoured combat support vehicles, and other equipment. In March 2024, Canada provided funding to buy 10 multirole RHIB boats, and 900 Canadian-made drones, among other items. Canada has provided 200 Canadian-manufactured commercial pattern armoured vehicles to allow for the transport of personnel and equipment. In addition, Canada has committed to providing 50 light armoured vehicles, including 10 medical evacuation vehicles. Canada has supplied Ukraine with eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventory, and has contributed $30 million to the Leopard 2 tank maintenance centre in Poland. Through Operation UNIFIER, the CAF’s military training and capacity building mission in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Canada has trained over 40,000 members of the Ukrainian military and security forces. Op UNIFIER was launched in 2015 at Ukraine’s request, and, in 2023, Canada extended it through to March 2026.

On February 24, 2024, the Prime Minister of Canada travelled to Kyiv, where he and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed an Agreement on Security Cooperation between Canada and Ukraine. This bilateral strategic security partnership fulfills the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, launched by G7 Leaders at the 2023 NATO Summit. In the Joint Declaration, G7 Leaders committed to launch bilateral negotiations with Ukraine to formalize, through bilateral security commitments and arrangements, enduring support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, rebuilds its economy, protects its citizens and pursues its integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. The Canada-Ukraine Agreement is valid for 10 years and commits over $3 billion in macroeconomic and military assistance to Ukraine for 2024. The Agreement serves to match Canadian capabilities with Ukrainian needs, including ensuring a sustainable Ukrainian force to defend against current and future Russian aggression, as well as strengthening Ukraine's economic stability and resilience. Canada’s Agreement with Ukraine reflects those signed by Canada’s Allies and partners in its scope, objective, consultation mechanism, commitment for future support, and duration. Further, our Agreement simultaneously focuses on Canada’s own strengths and areas of interest, with a notable emphasis on demining, disinformation cooperation, and Women, Peace, and Security. This historic Agreement is meant to reassure Ukraine of Canada’s long-term security support (military, economic, political), and signal as much to Russia. The Agreement includes a consultation mechanism for the provision of swift assistance in the event of future Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as reciprocal reform commitments from Ukraine to support its EU and NATO membership aspirations.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the widespread destruction of cities and civilian infrastructure due to Russian airstrikes, particularly on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. Canada, including its Allies and partners, have been supporting Ukraine with the air defence it needs. As part of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group’s Air Force Capability Coalition, Canada is training pilot instructors, as well as providing maintenance trainers to support Ukrainians under the F-16 Training Coalition. Canada is also providing English language training to Ukrainian Air Force personnel at the Canadian Forces Language School. Additionally, Canada has committed $33 million to the United Kingdom in support of the Air Defence Consortium. In 2023, Canada donated over 300 AIM-120, AIM-9 and AIM-7 missiles for use in Ukraine’s air defence systems.

Ukrainian officials have been clear that they need more artillery ammunition, rapidly. As we advance work to increase the domestic production of 155 mm with our Canadian industry partners, we are also committed to meeting Ukraine’s urgent needs as quickly as possible. By supporting Czechia’s initiative to donate large volumes of artillery munitions to Ukraine, Canada is stepping up to meet one of Ukraine’s most pressing defensive requirements. Now and for the long term, Canada stands with Ukraine. Canada is committing over $40 million to Czechia’s initiative to purchase large-calibre ammunition rounds for Ukraine. This will enable the delivery of several thousand rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine. This commitment follows last month’s signing of the Canada-Czechia Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes a framework for defence cooperation between Canada and Czechia, including in the area of support for Ukraine. In addition, Canada will be donating a package of night vision devices to assist Ukrainian Armed Forces with nighttime operations.

Canada will continue to closely coordinate international support for Ukraine through various fora, including through the G7, the NATO-Ukraine Council, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, as well as other multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Together with its partners and Allies, Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine.

As of March 19, 2024

Canada has stood firmly with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of unwarranted Russian aggression as they fight to defend their sovereignty, freedom, and independence.

Provision of Military Assistance

In September 2015, National Defence launched Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces military training and capacity-building mission in Ukraine. Through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces trained over 40,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces, and this is the force that is now bravely defending itself against Russian forces today. 

In the wake of Russia’s recent full-scale invasion of Ukraine, National Defence has been unwavering in its support and will continue to supply Ukraine with the tools and equipment it needs to defend its sovereignty and security and to win this war.

Since the beginning of 2022, National Defence has committed $4 billion in military equipment requested by Ukraine, including armoured vehicles, heavy artillery, body armour, gas masks, helmets, drone cameras, high-resolution satellite imagery, anti-armour weapons systems, rocket launchers, small arms and ammunition, as well as other highly specialized pieces of military equipment. National Defence has also helped bolster Ukraine’s resilience in cyber space, in conjunction with the Communications Security Establishment. Our aid is making a difference on the ground at this very moment.

Recently, Canada has signed a Canada-Ukraine Security Cooperation agreement, which commits multi-year funding for military assistance to Ukraine. A comprehensive list of Canada’s donations and military support to Ukraine can be found online.

There are currently over 300 Canadian Armed Forces members now deployed under Op UNIFIER training and support roles, as well as aiding in the facilitation of military aid delivery.

The Minister of National Defence remains in close contact with Ukrainian officials and Allies to discuss Ukraine’s most pressing security needs and how Canada can best continue to help. This includes participating in the monthly meetings of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, and contributing to the Armour, Air Force and Drone Capability Coalitions, which aim to facilitate long-term capability development by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

National Defence will continue to support Ukraine through strong, comprehensive military aid in collaboration with our Allies and partners.