Canadian Government commits to $9 million more aid to Ukraine

Above image: Members from 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery with the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia conduct an exercise using the M777 Howitzer gun at camp Ādaži, Latvia on 10 August 2018. Photo: eFP BG ROTO 10 LATVIA Imagery RP18-2018-0037-01. Photo courtesy of CAF.

Approximately $9 million worth of additional military aid will be provided to Ukraine in its fight to defend its land against Russia.

The Minister of National Defence Anita Anand announced the additional military aid on June 15, 2022. The aid consists of 10 replacement barrels to enable the sustainment of M777 howitzer artillery guns Canada previously donated.

Since Feb. 2022, Canada has pledged to support Ukraine and has sent M777s from Canadian Armed Forces stocks, and committed to financing over 20,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition sourced from the United States.

According to a Department of National Defence (DND) press release, the replacement barrels will ensure the weapons maintain their distance range and accuracy, as “worn barrel require regular replacement.”

“Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal invasion of Ukraine is an attack on the freedom and independence of the Ukrainian people, and on the rules-based international order that has kept our societies safe for decades. Through forums like the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and conversations with my Ukrainian counterpart, Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, we are addressing Ukraine’s most pressing defence needs in close collaboration with our partners and Allies. We will continue to work around the clock to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs to defend its sovereignty and security,” said Anand.

Previous Aid

Minister Anand announced the additional support to Ukraine during a visit to Brussels, Belgium, for the United States-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

During this meeting, she also met with Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, with “whom she remains in regular contact to address Ukraine’s most pressing defence needs,” stated the press release.

Since Feb. 2022, Canada has pledged to support Ukraine and has sent M777s from Canadian Armed Forces stocks, and committed to financing over 20,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition sourced from the United States.

Overall, Canada has committed $274 million in military assistance to Ukraine and $147.3 million of the $500 million previously announced in new aid to Ukraine in the government’s 2022 budget.