Ukraine has made a fervent appeal to Canada for military assistance as Russian forces continue to advance and apply pressure on Ukrainian defenses. A prominent Ukrainian parliament member, Oleksandra Ustinova, conducted a series of discreet meetings in Ottawa, expressing the dire need for support to Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair, members of key House of Commons committees, and military leaders.
“The message is very clear. There is urgency, and Ukraine is going to lose if there is no more support coming,” Ustinova conveyed, underscoring the imminent threat faced by her nation. Her visit coincided with the U.S. House of Representatives approving a substantial aid package for Ukraine.This legislative action resolved a prolonged standoff regarding U.S. assistance, providing $60 billion in aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing military progress and attacks on Ukrainian urban areas.
Ukraine’s specific requests include air defense systems and armoured vehicles, and Ustinova didn’t shy away from pressing for even retired Canadian military equipment, stating, “Ukrainians are ready to take even junk, tear it apart and make one out of three machines.” Canada possesses a significant stock of retiring vehicles, such as 195 LAV II Bisons and 149 Coyote reconnaissance vehicles, alongside 67 tracked light armour vehicles either awaiting disposal or being stripped for parts. Ustinova questioned Canada’s hesitation to transfer these valuable assets to Ukraine.
Canada has already supplied eight Leopard 2A4 tanks, 39 new armored combat support vehicles, 208 Roshel Senator armored four-by-fours, and committed to procuring 50 more armored vehicles for Ukraine during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ottawa last year—a deal that remains pending six months on.
The Ukrainian lawmaker also suggested that Canada could assist by procuring air defense missiles from third countries, given that Denmark, the Netherlands, and Great Britain are already engaging in such procurement to support Ukraine. Canada lacks its own dedicated air defense systems, it has contributed $30 million toward an allied effort to secure protective systems for Ukraine and has previously donated AIM air-to-air missiles.
The Canadian government’s latest federal budget earmarked $2.7 billion in aid for Ukraine this year, primarily in loans to sustain the country’s war-damaged economy, with approximately $320 million set aside for military assistance.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, while highlighting Canada’s support for Ukraine, particularly during times when U.S. aid has stalled, also voiced criticism over the slow pace of U.S. assistance.Chrystia also Freeland chided the United States for being “unable to step up” on aid to Ukraine.
Relevant articles:
– As Russia presses forward, Ukraine pleads with Canada for armour, air defence,cbc.ca, 04/21/2024
– Ukraine seeks Apple, Google help to check forces’ gambling, The Times of India, Sun, 21 Apr 2024 00:20:00 GMT
– Seeking ‘the right side of history,’ Speaker Mike Johnson risks his job to deliver aid to Ukraine, Yahoo News Canada, Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:11:22 GMT