Defense minister Anita Anand speaks to reporters in Brussels. Blackburn News image.Defense minister Anita Anand speaks to reporters in Brussels. Blackburn News image.
Midwestern

Canada commits $50 million in equipment for Ukraine

The federal government is committing $50 million in additional aid for Ukraine.

Defense Minister Anita Anand announced the funding in Brussels where she is meeting with other NATO defense ministers.

"This will consist of $15 million dollars worth of aid for winter equipment purchases," said Anand. "Hats, gloves, boots, parkas. The items that Ukrainian soldiers need on the frontlines."

Anand said $15 million will be used to buy cameras for drones.

"We have already supplied Ukraine with over 50 cameras for drones made by a Canadian supplier and we will continue to supply such cameras for drones," she said.

Another $2 million is also earmarked to pay for satellite services so that Ukraine can stay connected to its partners.

Anand was asked by reporters about Russia's threats of using nuclear weapons.

"We will be discussing the nuclear threat tomorrow when the defense ministers meet, of course," said Anand. "But we have to remember that we need to continue to supply Ukraine with many types of equipment and military aid as it seeks to retain its sovereignty."

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