Canadian PM announces new military assistance for Ukraine

OTTAWA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in the Ukrainian capital Kiev new military assistance for Ukraine, according to a news release issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The funding of 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.45 billion U.S. dollars) was committed at the June G7 Summit held in Canada's Kananaskis.

About 835 million Canadian dollars (603 million dollars) of the total are planned to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armored vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine, the release said.

About 680 million Canadian dollars (491 million dollars) are for the purchase of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance, the release said.

About 220 million Canadian dollars (159 million dollars) will be used to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, it said. ■