Ukraine presses Canada to send more weapons as its forces push east

Ukraine has presented Canada with a new list of its military hardware needs as its army presses a counter-offensive against Russia in the east, CBC News has learned.

The request was contained in a letter received by Defence Minister Anita Anand from her Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov almost three weeks ago, said two defence sources with knowledge of the file.

It comes as Moscow signalled again on Tuesday that it's prepared to hold annexation referendums in territory it has conquered in Ukraine.

The government of President Volodomyr Zelenskyy is asking Canada for more armoured vehicles — specifically the latest version of the light armoured vehicle known as the LAV VI.

Last June, the Liberal government promised to deliver 39 armoured troop carriers (ACSVs) to Ukraine — vehicles that have no weapons. The first few of those vehicles were shipped recently by the manufacturer, GDLS Land Systems Canada of London, Ont.

The Ukrainians say they need a fighting vehicle "with a 25 millimetre chaingun," which is the main armament on a LAV VI and the older (now decommissioned) LAV III, which the Canadian army used in Afghanistan.

Ukraine is also asking Canada to once again dip into its stock of M-777 howitzers and to supply more shells and winter clothing for their troops, the sources said.

Canada set aside $500 million in the recent budget for weapons shipments to Ukraine. That money has now been spent.

Other NATO allies, notably the U.S. and Germany, continue to purchase and ship weapons. Ukraine is looking for a signal from Canada that it will continue to step up, the sources said.

A spokesperson for Anand would only say the dialogue continues between the two countries.

"On a bilateral basis and through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Minister Anand remains in close contact with Minister Reznikov about Ukraine's most pressing security needs," said Daniel Minden in a written statement.

"Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and is exploring a variety of options to continue providing Ukraine with comprehensive military assistance."

Minden pointed out that since February 2022, Canada has committed $626 million in military aid to Ukraine.

The request for more military equipment comes after the Kremlin announced four regions of occupied Ukraine are asking for referendums on joining Russia.