(OTTAWA) The Government of Canada will send four additional Leopard 2 battle tanks and ammunition to Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.
“The momentum is on Ukraine’s side. They launched astonishing counter-offensives, recovered territories and forced the withdrawal of Russian troops. To date, Canada has provided over $5 billion in support to Ukraine and its people,” Trudeau said at a news conference at a Toronto armory.
In addition to doubling Canada’s tank contribution, Ottawa will also provide an armored recovery vehicle and over 5,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition.
The Trudeau government has also indicated that new sanctions will be imposed against 122 individuals and 13 entities, including members of Russia’s lower house of parliament who voted in favor of legislation related to the invasion and attempted annexation. from four regions of Ukraine.
Deputy prime ministers, ministers and other members of the cabinet of the President of Russia and the Russian military, as well as family members of people who have already been subject to sanctions are also added, a- we specified.
“Canada has led the charge globally to bring in the toughest sanctions regime ever imposed on a major economy and to curb President Putin’s ability to finance this illegal war,” the Minister insisted. Prime Minister.
Trudeau said G7 leaders reaffirmed earlier in the day to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that “our support for Ukraine will remain unwavering for as long as it takes” and continue to call for the Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraws its troops from internationally recognized Ukrainian territory.
As 365 days have passed since the Russian invasion, Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive with weapons from the West. The first of the dozen Leopard 2 tanks promised have also been delivered, Poland announced on Friday.
Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly pointed out that Canada was pressuring other allies to provide more heavy weapons to Ukraine, as promises of massive tank shipments have not yet materialized.
While several European countries, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom, have made similar pledges, the numbers so far have fallen short of Kyiv’s expectations.
The Canadian Armed Forces has 112 Leopard 2 tanks, but analysts say Ottawa could only supply a small number to Ukraine if Canada is to maintain its own training and operational needs.