Defence Minister Anita Anand says Canadian Forces members will train Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom in an effort to bolster their fight against theRussian invasion.
In a press conference on Thursday, Anand called the invasion a “direct” attack on the rules-based international order and one that is extracting a heavy cost on Ukrainians fighting for their freedom. “When we paused our military training and capacity-building training in Ukraine under Operation Unifier in early February, I made a commitment to resume these operations,” Anand said. “We are fulfilling our promise to resume large-scale training under Operation Unifier.” Up to 225 Canadian military members will go to the U.K.
to train new Ukrainian military recruits, she said, adding that the world is now entering “a new and very dangerous phase of this conflict” as Russian President Vladimir Putin attempts to cause “long term damage” on Ukraine.
Canadian trainers will depart next week, Anand added, and said it will also include training on front-line combat and the rules of combat under international law, calling the program “extensive.” The Canadian Press also reported on Thursday that training support will focus on teaching Ukrainians how to use the four M777 howitzers that Canada donated earlier this year, as well as cyber assistance through Canada’s electronic spy agency, the Communications Security Establishment.