Canada Provides Military Arms to Ukraine

Arms Delivered to Ukraine by Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day, where he pledged a CAD 1 billion weapons package to support Ukraine's defensive struggle against the Russian army. The delivery of the weapons package, which includes drones, ammunition, and heavy military equipment, is set for September.

The announcement comes as Western partners discuss the potential troop presence in Ukraine after a peace agreement. While several European states have expressed readiness to send troop contingents, the United States has ruled out sending ground troops and is expected to assist primarily with material and air support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has categorically rejected any Russian involvement in peacekeeping efforts, citing past experiences such as the Budapest Memorandum, where Moscow gave security guarantees for the east of Ukraine, but later annexed Crimea in 2014, breaking its promise.

Zelenskyy considers a strong Western military contingent for peacekeeping to be necessary. Carney, during his visit, emphasized that Kyiv needs reliable guarantees for peace and security. The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, did not express support for a Western military contingent for peacekeeping.

Canada's move is not without controversy, as Russia has suggested that veto powers of the UN Security Council, including Russia, should guarantee peace. However, this option is not acceptable to Kyiv due to the possibility of Russia blocking it.

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, did not express support for a Western military contingent for peacekeeping. Carney, on the other hand, hinted at the possibility of Canadian troops being present to secure a potential peace agreement. Several supporters of Ukraine have also expressed their readiness to deploy troop contingents to prevent new Russian military attacks.

The Western partners are in ongoing discussions regarding the potential troop presence in Ukraine after a peace agreement. The delivery of the weapons package is part of Canada's support for Ukraine's defensive struggle against the Russian army, and a clear indication of the commitment of Western allies to Ukraine's security.