Canada’s little-known plan to send troops to Ukraine

Troops could join peacekeeping force with Europeans, but not Americans

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Starychi, Ukraine. 15 March 2016 – Members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces demonstrate a Section attack, during Operation UNIFIER at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine. (Photo: Canadian Forces Combat Camera, DND)

Canada is quietly preparing to send troops to Ukraine amidst precarious negotiations between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine that seem to have equal chance of resulting in a ceasefire, or an all-out shooting war with NATO.

While everyone’s attention is held by the election and the latest speech from the White House regarding tariffs, military preparations for a Ukraine force are underway.

Canada and the Coalition of the Willing

European countries, led by France and the UK, have established a “coalition of the willing” to help bolster Ukraine’s defences against Russia following a potential ceasefire treaty, including through increasing military aid and a “reassurance force” as a security guarantee for Ukraine.

“Canada is ready and able to make a contribution to that force,” Defence Minister Bill Blair told reporters in early March. Several meetings of political leaders and military planners have been held since then, the latest on Friday in Paris.

The Defence Minister’s comments followed remarks by then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month. Speaking from Ukraine on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, Trudeau said “everything is on the table” when it comes to aiding Ukraine in its military effort.

Europeans furious with Trump

The “coalition of the willing” comprises European NATO states, Canada, and others – but not the United States.