Canada unveils US$254 million air defence package for Ukraine

Canada has pledged a US$254 million (C$350 million) aid package to Ukraine for acquiring air defence systems, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday. The support comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Carney in Calgary. Kyiv is currently struggling with a shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, which are crucial for defending against Russia's ballistic missile attacks.

Carney emphasized the importance of Ukraine's air defences in a press conference, stating that Russia's escalating aerial warfare is indiscriminately targeting civilians. The Canadian leader did not disclose the specific type of interceptors or the timeline for the delivery. The weapons will be provided through a U.S. program that enables third-party nations to swiftly purchase and supply weapons to Ukraine.

Canada has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has pledged over C$25.5 billion in assistance since the February 2022 Russian invasion, with C$8.5 billion dedicated to military aid. Additionally, Carney revealed Canada's plans to increase drone production, aiming to manufacture millions of units within the next two years, with a third of them destined for Ukraine.

With an estimated 1.3 to 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent, Canada hosts one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas globally.