Defence Minister Considers Non-Combat Military Training Mission in Ukraine from Canada
Defence Minister Bill Blair states that Canada is receptive to the idea of deploying Canadian troops on a non-combat training mission to Ukraine, despite Russian warnings of “tragic” consequences for any country providing direct troop support to their enemy.
Mr. Blair mentioned in an interview with The Toronto Star on Feb. 29 that this deployment would occur away from the front lines of the conflict and in a clearly defined non-combat role.
The defence minister discussed insights from a recent security summit in Paris where NATO allies and supporters of Ukraine gathered. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested the potential deployment of troops, leading to a collective disavowal from Western allies, including Canada, of dispatching combat troops to Ukraine.
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s caution on Feb. 28 about the dire consequences of deploying troops in support of Ukraine, Mr. Blair emphasized Canada’s stance against sending combat troops but openness to a non-combat role like training Ukrainian soldiers within their country.
Putin’s warning highlighted Russia’s ability to retaliate and raised concerns about the risk of a nuclear conflict that could have devastating consequences, as reported by Reuters.
This position aligns with a new security agreement with Ukraine that allows for Canada to resume training activities in Ukraine when conditions are suitable.
Mr. Blair emphasized the cautious approach required for such a mission, stating, “It has to be done in a fairly careful and limited way, the possibility of delivering training.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, when asked about Canada sending troops to Ukraine, mentioned the presence of soldiers in Poland working with Ukrainian troops but did not directly address training in Ukraine.
Canada has deployed army medics to Poland to train Ukrainian troops under Operation UNIFIER.
Mr. Blair highlighted Canada’s longstanding commitment to Ukraine’s military training, mentioning the legacy of Operation UNIFIER in training thousands of Ukrainian soldiers before being relocated following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
He acknowledged the challenges of conducting training in Ukraine and the concerns raised by some allies at the summit regarding the perception of taking a combat stance.
Following the dismissal of Mr. Macron’s troop deployment proposal by European leaders, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu clarified that discussions focused on non-combat activities like military training or de-mining, in line with Mr. Blair’s description.
Canada’s pledge to Ukraine amounts to $4 billion in military support, including a 10-year security agreement and immediate $3 billion in military and economic aid.
