Canada to give C$76 million to help buy air defenses for Ukraine

France's Macron hosts Ukraine meeting in Paris

FILE PHOTO: Canada's Minister of National Defence Bill Blair arrives to attend a conference in support of Ukraine with European leaders and government representatives at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 26, 2024. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

Source: X07238

Canada will contribute C$76 million ($55.7 million) to a German-led initiative that aims to quickly source and deliver air defense systems to Ukraine to fend off Russian attacks, Defence Minister Bill Blair said on Friday.

Blair made the announcement during a visit by German counterpart Boris Pistorius. Berlin launched the initiative last month, citing increased Russian strikes.

"These systems will help defend against Russian aerial attacks that have killed thousands of Ukrainians and destroyed hospitals, power plants and apartment blocks," Blair said.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Hungary's Magyar calls for stronger military amid European uncertainty

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Canada has committed over C$14 billion in total support for Ukraine, including C$4 billion in military assistance.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters