Kyiv is now “very much dependent” on the continued military support of allied nations like Canada, admitting that its armed forces capacity is insufficient to win the war against Russia, a Ukrainian lawmaker disclosed.
Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze said her country has been pleading since March for more weapons from Ottowa but to no avail.
“We are very, very, very, very much dependent on your continuous support. And that means more and more weapons, and the quality and quantity and speed of that delivery really matters,” she said.
The lawmaker urged the Canadian government to join other countries in helping Ukraine procure or manufacture weapons, including tanks, armored vehicles, and missile defense systems.
“It’s time to take a political decision to give Ukraine fighter jets,” she said.
“Every single postponed political decision costs us lives. It causes ghost cities…they’re leaving behind cities that are just destroyed down to the earth.”
Ukrainian MPs @IKlympush & @MPMaria_Ionova meet with @HoCSpeaker the Hon. Anthony Rota. They're here to update Canada's parliamentarians on the evolving situation in Ukraine, thanks to the PASS Ukraine Project funded by GAC. #DemocracyMatters #StandWithUkraine #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/Y8XQzRazCc
— Parliamentary Centre | Le Centre parlementaire (@parlcent) December 6, 2022
Canada’s Military Aid to Ukraine
According to the Canadian National Defence, the country has already pledged over 1 billion Canadian dollars ($750 million) in defense aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.
Last month, Ottawa announced another 1 billion Canadian dollars ($750 million) in new military funding to Kyiv, doubling its April 2022 budget commitments.
The assistance was intended for military, surveillance, and communications equipment, fuel, and medical supplies.
Canada also delivered additional high-resolution drone cameras and winter equipment to further enhance the country’s capabilities.
“Today’s announcement will further help Ukraine meet its urgent needs as it continues to make progress in reclaiming its territory,” Defence Minister Anita Anand said about the delivery.
“Canada’s military contributions, including training, equipment and transport have been integral in Ukraine’s counter offensive to-date and we will continue to stand with Ukraine, in the short and long term.”
The Canadian Armed Forces have provided military training to 34,000 Ukrainians.
