A key element of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the dedication of extra navy troops in neighbouring NATO international locations, however the authorities has maintained these personnel can be deployed for deterrence and coaching functions solely.
Is there a circumstance the place Canadian troops would have interaction in fight in Ukraine, which isn't a NATO member however is an in depth ally of the West?
Defence Minister Anita Anand says right now, no.
“There [are] no plans on the present time to have Canadian Armed Forces engaged in a fight mission in Ukraine,” she informed CTV Information Channel’s Energy Play on Thursday.
She stated the aim of the 2 related navy missions in Japanese Europe, Operation UNIFIER and Operation REASSURANCE, are for coaching and deterrence functions respectively.
Canadian troops, below Operation UNIFIER, have skilled greater than 35,000 of their Ukrainian counterparts to assist them correctly defend themselves in opposition to eventualities just like the one confronted right this moment.
Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, confirmed later within the day that every one personnel below that mission have been relocated to Poland.
“I can guarantee you that contingency planning for these relocated personnel continues inside this very risky scenario. A few of these personnel have begun to return to Canada, whereas others will stay in Poland on the able to help contingency operations and our companions in World Affairs Canada, if required,” he stated throughout a technical briefing in regards to the authorities’s response to Russia’s assault.
The federal government introduced on Tuesday that an extra 460 troops can be despatched to Latvia as a part of Operation REASSURANCE, to “reinforce” Canada’s dedication to NATO and bolster its presence within the area.
On Thursday, Anand introduced that one other 3,400 troops are on standby to help with the NATO Response Power if essential.
“We’ve consistently demonstrated briefly, our help for our allies and our companions within the face of authoritarianism, and such aggression,” she stated.
“Canadian Armed Forces are prepared to help with the entire of presidency efforts on this area.”
Requested what the brink is to ship the extra troops to Europe, Auchterlonie stated it is going to be as much as the route of NATO management.
“It might be a pull from NATO primarily based on the place they’re at,” he stated, including that proper now NATO forces are in “deterrence” mode, however what follows is “defend” after which “defend.”
NATO Secretary Normal Jens Stoltenberg reiterated on Thursday throughout a press briefing that the North Atlantic Council has no intention of sending in troops.
“We don’t have any plans to ship NATO troops into Ukraine. However we're there to guard and defend all NATO allies. So we help Ukraine, we offer absolute safety ensures for NATO allies. We exhibit that dedication by growing the presence within the Japanese a part of the alliance,” he stated.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and International Affairs Minister Melanie Joly look on as Defence Minister Anita Anand speaks throughout a information convention, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
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