Canada is bolstering its forces in eastern Europe amid the East-West faceoff over Ukraine.
Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Tuesday the federal government will send an additional 460 troops.
The move is in response to Russia’s orders to move military forces into the conflict region.
Canada will deploy HMCS Halifax overseas to help strengthen NATO forces.
“Canada is also announcing the deployment of an additional frigate, HMCS Halifax, under a NATO flag,” Anand says. “We will also provide a maritime patrol aircraft to bolster NATO forces in the Euro-Atlantic area.”
The Halifax-class frigate will join HMCS Montreal and other NATO ships already in the Mediterranean region.
They’ve been taking part in a training mission in Central and Eastern Europe called “Operation Reassurance.”
HMCS Montreal. (SOURCE: Maritime Forces Atlantic via Facebook)
Anand says Canada has made a second delivery of lethal aid to Ukraine.
At this pivotal time for the security of Ukraine, Europe, and the world, Canada is stepping up and doing its part.
We have authorized the deployment of up to 460 additional personnel under Operation REASSURANCE – Canada’s mission to support @NATO deterrence measures in Europe. pic.twitter.com/PUkFhBFA2n
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) February 23, 2022
Canada has already sent $7.8 million worth of lethal equipment and ammunition to Ukraine along with a $500 million loan.
Canada imposes new economic sanctions against Russia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced new economic sanctions against Russia.
He’s calling the country’s actions on Ukraine an “attack on democracy.”
“Canada also denounces Russian military actions, including orders to move into Ukraine, which is a clear incursion of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Trudeau says. “Make no mistake, this is a further invasion of a sovereign state and it is completely unacceptable . . . Russia’s brazen provocations are a threat to security and peace in the world.”
The first round of restrictions come a day after Moscow recognized the Ukraine separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent.
The federal government will sanction members of the Russian parliament who voted in favour of the move.
Canadians will be banned from all financial dealings with these regions and from engaging in purchases of Russian sovereign debt.
The additional forces are set to arrive by the end of March.
