Canada is sending a contingent of soldiers to Ukraine, where they will participate in a 17-day multinational peacekeeping exercise later this month.
The Prime Minister鈥檚 Office announced Thursday that 13 Canadian army soldiers will join the training exercise to be held in Yavoriv from Sept. 11-28.
The exercise, dubbed Rapid Trident 14, will be led by Ukraine and the United States as part of the U.S. European Command鈥檚 Joint Training and Exercise Program, according to the PMO. Approximately 1,200 troops from 16 nations will be participating.
The PMO said it supports 鈥渋nteroperability鈥� between allied nations and 鈥渨ill focus on stability and peace support operations.鈥�
Other participating countries include Latvia, Great Britain, Denmark and Germany.
Canada is sending:
- Four officers who will provide mentorship and support to Ukrainian officers in command positions
- Nine Improvised Explosive Device instructors
In years past, Canada has participated in the annual exercises. This year鈥檚 efforts come as NATO leaders, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, convene in Wales to discuss a range of issues including the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Minister of Defence Rob Nicholson said in a statement that Canada is committed to 鈥渂uilding capabilities and nurturing partnerships in eastern Europe, which has become increasingly important in light of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin鈥檚 unacceptable continued aggression in the region.鈥�
Also on Thursday, the Harper government announced that Canada will provide support for two initiatives to 鈥渉elp Ukraine as well as NATO allies counter the threat posed by Russia鈥檚 militarism in the region.鈥�
Facilitated through NATO Trust Funds, Canada has committed support of $1 million to help build up Ukraine鈥檚 command and control, as well as its computer capabilities. The Prime Minister鈥檚 Office also announced support valued at $1 million for three NATO centres of Excellence in the Baltic region.
Both initiatives will be funded through the Global Peace and Security Fund, which supports reconstruction programs in conflict-affected countries.
