Canadian PM pledges major military aid for Kyiv On Ukraine’s Independence Day

Canada will provide Ukraine with an additional CA$2 billion (nearly $1.45) in military assistance, with almost half to be allocated for the procurement of critical equipment like drones, ammunition and armoured vehicles.

This was announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on August 24 during his first visit to Kyiv to mark the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, as Caliber.Az reports citing his office's statement.

During his speech, the PM recalled that Canada, which was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine as an independent and sovereign nation following the collapse of the Soviet Union, pledged the additional funding during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis and revealed further details on its allocation:

CA$835 million to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armoured vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine.

Approximately CA$680 million for the purchase of a NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List package of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance.

CA$220 million to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, in line with the Letter of Intent on Canada-Ukraine Joint Production of Defence Material.

CA$165 million to support Canada’s ongoing work in Ukraine Defense Contact Group Capability Coalitions, including efforts to source critical capabilities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

CA$100 million to source ammunition and explosives through the Czech Ammunition Initiative.

According to Carney, the military equipment will arrive as early as next month.

The Canadian Prime Minister also announced that the country will allocate over CA$31 million for emergency assistance, the construction of bomb shelters, and countering cyberattacks.

He further pledged that Canada, being the co-chair of the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children, will step up cooperation with Ukraine, European partners, and the United States to ensure the "immediate and unconditional return of the children.”

By Nazrin Sadigova