(Ottawa) Latvia hopes that Canada will also expand its military presence there.
Posted at 9:12
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this week that Canada is extending and expanding its military training mission in Ukraine, which includes strengthening cyber defenses against Russian aggression.
Lithuanian Ambassador Karlis Eihenbaums says his country is grateful for the 600 Canadian troops deployed in the Baltic country to help defend against a possible Russian invasion.
“We hope they will stay. Canada is doing a great job. It is extremely important to send a signal to our neighbours,” says Eihenbaums, referring to Russia and its ally Belarus.
Moscow demands that Ukraine cannot join NATO, a military alliance comprising Canada, the United States and 28 European countries. Russia also demands that NATO withdraw from all territories formerly belonging to the former Soviet Union such as Latvia. The alliance rejected this request, which raises fears of a new war in Europe.
It is in this context that Mr. Trudeau announced that Canada will extend its presence in Ukraine until 2025. Sixty soldiers will be added to the 200 soldiers already on site. Canada will also provide non-lethal military equipment and help Ukraine resist cyberattacks.
NATO is discussing increasing its presence in Eastern Europe to deter Russia from being too aggressive. France and Denmark announced measures last week.
Currently, one thousand soldiers from 10 NATO countries are stationed in Lithuania, one of four battle groups in Eastern Europe.
Mr. Trudeau spoke Thursday to his Latvian counterpart Krisjanis Kariņs who thanked Canada for the presence of Canadian soldiers in his country. According to the minutes released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Karins also welcomed the renewal of Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training mission in Ukraine.
However, the minutes make no mention of a reinforcement of the Canadian military presence in Latvia. Ambassador Eihenbaums says the two heads of government discussed ways to improve the combat group present in Latvia. He adds that Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anaud is due to visit her country in the coming weeks.
Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics wants a greater NATO presence in the region.
“We are at a point that NATO must respond to the continued military build-up of Russia and Belarus with appropriate countermeasures. We must increase the Allied presence on its eastern flank for defense and deterrence purposes,” he said this week.
Mr. Eihenbaums says that the best way to resist Russia is to show resolve by strengthening the presence of the Atlantic alliance in Latvia and the region.
“The Russians think they are in a boxing ring. They understand when you are strong, he says. We have to be strong. If Canada can send [troupes] additional, we would be grateful. »
Earlier this month, Trudeau said the purpose of Canada’s military presence in Latvia was to defend that country in the event of a Russian invasion.
Mr. Eihenbaums observes that the NATO battle group was designed to be able to respond to an attack if necessary. “Some wonder if these troops will fight if something happens. Of course they will fight. there is no doubt. »