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Oct 18, 2024 5:31 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press

Defence minister announces nearly $65 million in aid to Ukraine

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The funds come from $500 million promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the NATO summit in July. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Defence Minister Bill Blair announced that Canada will send $64.8 million in additional military assistance to Ukraine, reaffirming the country’s continued commitment to supporting Kyiv in its defence against Russia’s invasion.

Speaking at a NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Blair said Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia remains one of the alliance’s top priorities. The new package will provide more than $50 million in weapons, ammunition, and military drones, along with uniforms and protective gear for Ukrainian soldiers.

The remaining funds will support training programs for Ukrainian troops and help strengthen the country’s cyber defence capabilities. Blair said the assistance is part of the $500 million pledge made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the NATO summit in July.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Canada has provided more than $19.5 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including military, humanitarian, and financial aid.

The announcement follows renewed discussions among NATO members about long-term defence cooperation and cyber security strategies to counter Russian aggression.

Communities across Canada, including in Surrey, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, home to large Ukrainian-Canadian populations, have held ongoing drives to raise funds and send supplies in solidarity with those affected by the conflict.

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