Canada sends an additional $200 million to Ukraine

OTTAWA — The federal government is sending more tax dollars to Ukraine.

In an announcement released on Wednesday, National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Minister Anita Anand pledged an additional $200 million to fund Ukraine’s ongoing war against Russia’s now nearly four-year long invasion.

The aid will consist of U.S.-sourced critical military hardware purchased through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL.)

Canadian aid topped $22 billion since Feb 2022

“By contributing to this PURL package in partnership with our Allies, we are ensuring Ukraine receives the advanced capabilities it urgently needs to defend its sovereignty and protect its people,” McGuinty said in a statement.

“This contribution reflects Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, to our NATO Allies, and to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region.”

Wednesday’s announcement brings the total amount of tax dollars and aid sent to Ukraine to $22 billion since February 2022.

Previous military aid include Canadian Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, armoured vehicles and personnel carriers, drones, surface-to-air missiles systems, ammunition, artillery, small arms and medical supplies.

This is the second time Canada purchased hardware for Ukraine through the PURL program, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing in August $680 million to send U.S.-purchased military hardware to Ukraine.

Announcement comes during NATO ministers’ meeting

The PURL program was launched last summer at the behest of the United States, who urged their fellow NATO partners to do their part in funding Ukraine’s war effort.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as Anand meets with other NATO foreign ministers in Belgium to discuss the ongoing conflict.

“Canada’s contribution reflects our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and to the security of the Euro-Atlantic region,” read a statement from Anand.

“Through this second contribution to the NATO PURL initiative, we join Allies in delivering critical capabilities that Ukraine needs now.”

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
X: @bryanpassifiume

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