April 28, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today highlighted the transfer of a new shipment of non-lethal equipment to Ukraine.
Today, a new batch of non-lethal equipment was transferred to the Ukrainian National Guard during a media event in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, attended the event on behalf of Canada, in the presence of Lieutenant-General Mykola Balan, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine.
The Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lieutenant-General Mykola Balan, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine
The shipment of night-vision goggles is part of an $11million Canadian assistance package announced in November 2014.
Canada’s assistance is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight to defend their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Quick Facts
In the last months, Canada has given the Ukrainian forces approximately 30,000 sets of coats, pants and ballistic eyewear, 70,000 pairs of cold and wet weather boots, 7,000 helmets, 2,300 protective vests, 300 first aid kits, 100 tents and 735 sleeping bags.
Canada will be deploying approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel to Ukraine until March 31, 2017, to develop and deliver military training and capacity-building programs for Ukrainian forces personnel.
Quotes
“Today’s delivery highlights Canada’s continued support for Ukraine in the face of military aggression by the Putin regime. Ongoing violations of the Minsk agreements underscore the importance of providing the Ukrainian forces with the equipment they need to protect Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Canada will never recognize the illegal occupation of Crimea and will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine.”
– Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“I am inspired by my trip to Ukraine and by my meetings with brave and courageous Ukrainians who are defending with passion and commitment the values of freedom, democracy and human rights. The Canadian night-vision goggles will strengthen the capability of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian National Guard in their legitimate fight to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
– Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“We are grateful to friendly Canada for its understanding of the real situation in our country and the role of the National Guard. Today’s ceremony is very important for us, as we face a real threat to the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and we thank Canada for its support and readiness to assist the National Guard in equipping its personnel.”
– Lieutenant-General Mykola Balan, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine