CANADA ANNOUNCES NEW SHIPMENT OF NIGHT VISION GOGGLES AND ADDITIONAL AID FOR UKRAINE
On April 17, 2015 it was announced that Canada will be sending an additional 178 state-of-the-art night vision goggles to Ukraine. This newest shipment of specialized equipment compliments the 60 night vision goggles already delivered to Ukraine in March, bringing the total to 238. “We believe that these goggles will enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight to defend their country’s sovereignty and their territorial integrity,” stated Conservative MP Ted Opitz. The goggles, for which the Government of Canada has dedicated $1 million to purchase and send, will contribute to an already long list of non-lethal Canadian military equipment sent to Ukraine over the past year.
“Later this month we will [also] be transferring more than 1000 tactical medical kits thanks to the great work of Patriot Defense. This organization … is providing training to the Ukrainian military on their correct and live-saving use,” said Optiz. Additionally, in a few weeks time Canada will be providing a mobile field hospital, and once manufacturing is finalized over the summer, with the support of other Canadian organizations, will also be sending 22 high-frequency radios and $3 million-worth of explosive ordnance disposal equipment.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel will be deployed to Ukraine until March 2017 to develop and deliver military training and capacity-building programs for Ukrainian forces personnel.
“This is part of a broader set of measures,” said Bernard Trottier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. While acknowledging the importance of the Canadian military’s involvement in Ukraine, Trottier noted that it was also “critical that we continue to look at the long term economic viability and prosperity of Ukraine,” referring to the financing and economic development measures Canada has taken to help Ukraine in this regard.
Since January 2014 Canada has announced more than $578 million in assistance to Ukraine, which includes a $400 million low-interest loan, and over $130 million in bilateral development projects. Non-lethal military equipment sent to Ukraine over the past few months has included 30,000 sets of coats, pants, and ballistic eyewear, 70,000 pairs of cold and wet weather boots, 7,000 helmets, 2,300 protective vests, 300 first aid kits, 100 tents, and 735 sleeping bags.
“What is going on in Ukraine now is a threat not only to the security of Europe, but to the security of the entire world,” said MP Wladyslaw Lizon, who was also present at the press briefing.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014, over 6,000 people have lost their lives.
“Canada’s position remains firm,” reiterated Opitz. “We will never recognize Crimea’s illegal annexation and we call on the Putin regime to cease its destabilization campaign, fully withdraw from Ukraine, and respect its territorial integrity.”
On April 17, 2015 it was announced that Canada will be sending an additional 178 state-of-the-art night vision goggles to Ukraine. This newest shipment of specialized equipment compliments the 60 night vision goggles already delivered to Ukraine in March, bringing the total to 238. “We believe that these goggles will enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces in their fight to defend their country’s sovereignty and their territorial integrity,” stated Conservative MP Ted Opitz. The goggles, for which the Government of Canada has dedicated $1 million to purchase and send, will contribute to an already long list of non-lethal Canadian military equipment sent to Ukraine over the past year. 
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel will be deployed to Ukraine until March 2017 to develop and deliver military training and capacity-building programs for Ukrainian forces personnel. 
