Ottawa: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced new military, economic and cultural assistance to Ukraine. Trudeau made the announcement during a meeting with the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Toronto.
As part of Canada’s assistance, thousands of rifles, dozens of machine guns and a large number of ammunition will be provided to Ukraine.
Trudeau also announced Canada has disbursed a $2.4 billion loan to the Government of Ukraine to support essential services, such as pension payments, purchasing fuel, and restoring damaged energy infrastructure.
Trudeau and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also signed a new agreement that will help Ukrainian and Canadian youth work and travel to the two countries. Along with this, the current Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Deal has also been updated.
Trudeau said Canada was imposing new sanctions on 14 Russian individuals, 34 Russian goods and nine financial sector organisations in Belarus. This is being done in exchange for their support for Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“Canada appreciates Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Putin’s high-handedness, and we will continue to extend all possible help to Ukraine,” Trudeau said.
During this time, Ukraine Prime Minister thanked the Canada for all the support. He also called on Canada for additional military cooperation to further strengthen defences in eastern Ukraine.