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Canada has extended for another three years its mission to train Ukrainian soldiers and plans to expand the operation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday.
Trudeau said he has authorized the military to deploy another 60 staff members to join the 200 troops already on the ground, with further capacity to increase that number to 400. This is part of a Canadian commitment to share a $ 268 million in aid to Ukraine.
The Canadian prime minister said Russia is using its military power and weight to harass and threaten an independent democracy through an attempt to force Ukraine to bow to its will.
“This is a threat not only to Ukrainians, but to all of us who believe in the rights of citizens to elect their own governments and to run their own country.” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
“We are now seeing a slide of democracy around the world, an attack on democratic principles in various forms. “But the direct threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, to deprive the Ukrainian people of the ability to choose their future, is something that concerns all those who love democracy.”
Prime Minister Trudeau said the aid also includes sending equipment to Ukraine, sharing intelligence and providing support for cyber-attacks.
The Canadian mission aims to support Ukrainian forces so that the country can defend its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, the Canadian prime minister said.
“This is not a combat mission, this is a training mission. The Canadian Army will be there to advise and assist. “We will continue to train the Ukrainian army.” said Mr. Trudeau. “In the event of a Russian incursion or invasion of Ukraine, we will ensure that the Canadian military remains safe.”
Prime Minister Trudeau said Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand will travel to Latvia and Ukraine to visit Canadian soldiers in the coming days. Ms. Anand said Canada has trained over 30,000 soldiers in Ukraine./VOA
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