Today, at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced $64.8 million in military assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine's need for small arms remains ongoing and is a critical requirement on the battlefield. Today's announcement commits $27.3 million to procure small arms and ammunition from Canadian industry-building upon more than $120 million in small arms and ammunition that Canada has donated.
The Minister further announced $20 million to manufacture Canadian-made personal protective equipment and military uniforms for women Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) soldiers, expanding Canada's pilot project announced in October 2023. This contribution will outfit 30,000 women AFU soldiers with appropriately sized military gear.
Canada has also committed $5 million towards the Drone Capability Coalition Common Fund. Drones have become critical in this conflict and this Coalition has brought together Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) members working to find ways to support Ukraine's drone industry and procure drones that are crucial to Ukraine's defence efforts.
In addition, Minister Blair also announced the donation of:
- Up to $10.5 million to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) activities such as training for Ukrainian Forces; and
- Up to $2 million to join the IT Capability Coalition and continue Canada's role in working with Ukraine to strengthen its cyber capabilities.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Canada has worked closely with Ukraine and its partners to strengthen Ukraine's cyber capabilities against Russia's attacks. Our membership in the IT Coalition will enable us to enhance our ongoing support and leadership in this important space.
The donations announced today are part of an additional $500 million in military assistance to Ukraine, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the NATO Summit in July 2024, including $444 million to support the costs of military equipment, assistance, and training for Ukraine's Armed Forces.
