Canada is steadfast in its support of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Canada is alarmed by, and condemns, Russia's threats and military buildup in and around Ukraine. Canada remains committed to a diplomatic solution and continues to call on Russia to de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue. Any further aggression on the part of Russia will be met with strong consequences and Canada continues to work with allies and partners on a coordinated response.
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland to announce $340 million for immediate support to Ukraine and for the extension and expansion of Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces' military training and capacity-building mission in Ukraine.
This extension and expansion of Canada's military presence in support of Ukraine will ensure that members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will continue to provide enhanced military training and mentorship to Ukraine's security forces through to the end of March 2025. In the coming days an additional 60 troops will be deployed to Ukraine to join the approximately 200 women and men already on the ground, with the ability to increase the total number to 400 CAF personnel. The CAF will also work with the Canadian Security Establishment on measures to support enhanced intelligence cooperation and cyber security and cyber operations. This increased support will help Ukraine strengthen its security and ability to defend itself against a range of threats.
Since 2015, Canadian troops have conducted more than 600 courses, training nearly 33,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in a range of tactical and advanced military skills. In addition, civilian and military personnel from the Department of National Defence and the CAF have been supporting key elements of Ukraine's defence reform process, such as democratic accountability and civilian oversight of defence and security institutions.
The extension and expansion in scope of Operation UNIFIER will complement and be delivered in a coordinated effort alongside the diplomatic efforts of Minister Joly and Global Affairs Canada to deter and de-escalate Russia's ongoing aggressive and destabilizing activities in and around Ukraine. To that end, the Government also announced that Canada is creating an action team based out of Global Affairs Canada to support further coordination of federal departments' efforts in support of peace and security in Ukraine. Existing diplomatic capacity will also be strengthened, with additional subject matter experts in areas such as security sector reform, conflict management, democratic reform, consular services and diplomacy. With these additional resources in both Ottawa and the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Canada will be able to continue to assess and respond to the ongoing and escalating situation.
In addition, Canada will be providing and $50 million for development and humanitarian assistance, as well as additional support for the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program to support Ukraine's security sector reforms and improve the capacity of its security sector institutions. Canada will also be providing non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine.
Today's announcement demonstrates Canada's unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people through this strengthened contribution to assist them with their ability to defend themselves.
