"Canada will donate 288 AIM-7 missiles to Ukraine from Canadian Armed Forces inventory to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend its skies," Canada's defence ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
It added that Canada would also provide 10,000 rounds of 105mm ammunition to sustain artillery systems in Ukraine, and "contribute to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s."
Canada "will also be contributing to the Leopard 2 tank maintenance centre in Poland," according to the Canadian defence ministry.
In all, Canada will commit CAD 500 million in new funding for military assistance to support Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself from Russian aggression, according to the statement.
Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand said that "Ukrainians are fighting valiantly against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion" and that Thursday's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in which she participated reaffirmed the Western allies' "commitment to providing Ukraine with the military equipment that it needs to win its battle for freedom."
Anand added: "Canada commends the bravery and strength of Ukrainians, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Friday is day 478 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, canada.ca
