Digital Desk: Concerns over a buildup of Russian forces around Ukraine’s borders have prompted Canada to temporarily evacuate “non-essential” Canadian personnel and their dependents from the embassy in Kyiv.
Officials are monitoring the situation and their top priority is to protect the Canadians, for whom the embassy remains open, a statement released on Sunday reads.
The action comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated last week that Canada would expand its efforts to train the Ukrainian military and deliver non-lethal military equipment, such as body armour, to the country.
“This is not a military mission but it is meant to assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russian aggression.” Trudeau said at a press conference last Wednesday.
Reportedly, Russia has deployed around 100,000 troops along the border, stoking concerns of an invasion across Europe and the NATO military alliance, which Russia has rejected.
According to a statement from Global Affairs, the personnel at the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv will be bolstered by individuals with experience in conflict resolution, democratic change, and consular services to boost diplomatic capability.
Much of the present stalemate between Russia and NATO has centred around Moscow’s demand that Ukraine never be admitted to NATO, including Canada, the United States, and 28 European countries.
In addition, the Kremlin has asked that NATO withdraw all of its forces from member states that were once part of the Soviet Union. However, the alliance has turned down the demand, raising concerns about a new European conflict.
With a $340 million commitment to extend Canada’s training mission in Ukraine for another three years, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week that he had authorized the Canadian Armed Forces to deploy 60 more troops to join the 200 already on the ground, with the capacity to increase that number to 400.
Trudeau also pledged $50 million in development and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, in addition to a $120 million loan to help the country’s economy to stabilize.
As per reports, NATO countries are also discussing beefing up the alliance’s presence in eastern Europe as a further deterrent to war, with some partners like France and Denmark already announcing extra commitments.
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