Canada authorized the provision of additional military assistance to the Government of Ukraine to further help the Ukrainian security forces defend against Russia’s aggression.

Militarnyi informs.

Canada will offer a loan of up to C$500 million ($393 million) and lethal weapons to support Ukraine, Reuters writes.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this decision on Monday, February 14.

In addition, Canada will provide a C$7.8 million ($6.1 million) worth of lethal equipment and ammunition to Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.

“In light of the seriousness of the situation, and following conversations with our Ukrainian partners, I’ve approved the provision of $7.8 million worth of lethal equipment and ammunition,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

According to the Prime Minister, the purpose of this support from Canada and other partners is to “deter further Russian aggression”.

Assistance

According to Ukrinform, Anita Anand, the Minister of National Defense of Canada, announced the support of Ukraine with weapons at a press conference in Ottawa.

“Canada is deeply concerned by Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine, which presents a significant threat to the rules-based international order. Following conversations with our Ukrainian partners, including during my recent trip to Ukraine, Canada has authorized the provision of defensive weapons to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Anand said.

She noted that Canada and its allies would continue to support Ukraine in opposing Russia’s unwarranted aggression.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine clarified that Canada will donate over $7 million of lethal weapons and assorted support items to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including machine guns, pistols, carbines, 1.5 million rounds of ammunition, sniper rifles, and various related equipment.

In late January, Canada has sent a plane to Ukraine with a cargo of non-lethal weapons and instructors who will teach Ukrainian servicemen to work with them. Also, Canada announced a three-year extension and a significant expansion of its UNIFIER military training mission in Ukraine.