Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are to leave Canada this Thursday for Poland to help with the support, coordination and resettlement of Ukrainian refugees.
National Defense Minister Anita Anand is expected to announce and oversee the deployment from Canadian Armed Forces Base Trenton, Ont., after a reconnaissance team traveled to Poland last week to plan the mission.
A government source speaking on condition of anonymity said the Canadian military would assist in the care and coordination of Ukrainian refugees, more than 2.6 million of whom have fled to Poland since the Russian invasion that started in February. They will also help Ukrainians to leave Poland for other destinations.
The Canadian Armed Forces previously had 260 military trainers in Poland after their evacuation from Ukraine shortly before Russia launched its invasion on February 24. The trainers provided humanitarian aid during the first weeks of the conflict, but have since returned to Canada on a temporary basis.
Since the start of the war, Canada has provided millions of dollars in loans to the Ukrainian government as well as weapons and military equipment. He also sanctioned hundreds of Russian political and business leaders and asked the International Criminal Court, based in the Netherlands, to investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Canada has also prioritized immigration applications from Ukraine and created a special program that allows Ukrainian citizens and their families to come to Canada and work or study for three years.
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