Canadian forces moving to western Ukraine as tensions mount with Russia
Global News
National Defence Minister Anita Anand told reporters Monday Canada’s soldiers are moving west of the Dnieper River – which splits Ukraine – 'out of an abundance of caution.'
Canadian Armed Forces members stationed in Ukraine are moving farther away from the Russian border as tensions between the two countries shift.
National Defence Minister Anita Anand told reporters outside the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv Monday that Canada’s soldiers are moving west of the Dnieper River – which splits Ukraine – “out of an abundance of caution.”
“The safety and security of the Armed Forces is my top priority at all times, and out of an abundance of caution we are repositioning some of our troops,” Anand said.
“We are continually monitoring the evolving and concerning situation, and made a decision to move troops in that regard.”
Canada had 200 Canadian Armed Forces members throughout Ukraine as part of Operation Unifier, a years-long mission designed to bolster Ukraine’s defence forces, which was recently extended and enhanced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The move west of the Dnieper River puts Canada’s forces farther away from the Russian military buildup near Ukraine’s borders in the east. A possible Russian military incursion could try to incorporate land on the east side of the river.
Many western nations fear a Russian military invasion of Ukraine is becoming possible. While diplomatic talks to calm the tensions are ongoing, western nations are scrambling to support Ukraine as Russia continues its war games around the region.
The movement of troops comes after Canada ordered non-essential staff at its embassy in Kyiv to leave on Sunday, a move the country’s president cautioned against on Friday.
