Government of Canada reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion
Press Release
February 24, 2026 – Ottawa, Canada – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On this day, the Government of Canada reaffirms its steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Since February 24, 2022, Canada has stood in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its people in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression. Canada’s contributions have included extensive economic, humanitarian, development and military assistance, alongside coordinated measures with Allies to help Ukraine and impose consequences on Russia for its actions.
To further support Ukraine at this important juncture, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced the renewal of Operation UNIFIER for an additional three years to 2029. Through this operation, the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) provide ongoing military training, and capacity building in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Under the renewed mandate, the number of CAF personnel dedicated to the operation will increase, providing greater flexibility and enabling Canada to further adapt and respond to Ukraine’s evolving operational needs. The extension of Operation UNIFIER allows CAF members to continue training Ukrainian recruits and leaders, strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself now and in the years ahead.
As partners, we must continue taking necessary steps to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. This requires agile, focused military assistance that responds directly to operational requirements on the battlefield. As such, Minister McGuinty also announced:
$2 billion in military assistance for fiscal year 2026-27 that builds on Canada’s sustained provision of critical military support and will help ensure the Armed Forces of Ukraine have the equipment and capabilities needed to defend their territory.
Donation of over 400 armoured vehicles, including 66 Light Armoured Vehicles 6s (General Dynamics) and 383 Senator Armoured Vehicles (Roshel).
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also announced an additional $20 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. This contribution will allow ongoing procurement and delivery of energy equipment to Ukrainian energy companies through a demand-driven, competitive bidding process to repair and rebuild critical energy infrastructure damaged by Russia’s strikes.
Furthermore, Canada will be imposing sanctions on 21 individuals and 53 entities, as well as 100 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet, under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. Canada is also lowering its price cap for Russian crude oil from US$47.60 to US$44.10 per barrel.
Canada’s new measures further increase the economic costs on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine by restricting its energy revenues and financial enablers, including cryptocurrency infrastructure, while degrading Russia’s conventional and hybrid military capabilities, including its artificial intelligence ecosystem and drone production.
The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people over the past four years have inspired the world and galvanized our resolve. As the war enters its fifth year, Canada’s commitment to Ukraine remains absolute. Together with our Allies and partners, Canada will continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to defend its freedom, strengthen its position, and work toward a lasting peace.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement of additional military assistance and the renewal of Operation UNIFIER underscores Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s fight for freedom. We are ensuring Ukraine has the tools to defend its sovereignty, protect its people, and pursue a just and lasting peace. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“As Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine continues, Canada remains steadfast in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia must be held accountable for the damage, destruction, and loss caused by its unprovoked aggression.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
Since February 2022, Canada has committed more than $25.5 billion in overall multifaceted aid to Ukraine, including $8.5 billion in military assistance.
The approximately $2 billion [SA1] in military assistance for 2026–27 is drawn from previously approved funding: of $1.76 billion from Budget 2025, and an additional $300 million announced today.
Canada further contributes to Ukraine’s security through Operation (Op) UNIFIER, the CAF’s mission to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
Since 2015, the CAF has trained over 47,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under Op UNIFIER. Approximately 13,000 of these have been trained since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
CAF members are deployed under Op UNIFIER in various roles, including providing and coordinating training, and facilitating and delivering military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies and partners.
Canada also contributes personnel, including to key leadership and support positions to NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, the NATO command that coordinates the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine.
Canada participates in four Capability Coalitions under the Ukraine Defence Contact Group: Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC), Armour Capability Coalition, Drone Capability Coalition (DCC) and Information Technology Capability Coalition.
As part of the AFCC, Canada is contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s, including with an allocation of up to $389 million to enhance F-16 pilot training.
Canada formally joined the DCC in 2024, contributing $87 million to joint procurements through the DCC Common Fund, and invested $190 million in Ukraine’s domestic drone industry via the Danish Model.
Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,300 individuals and entities that are complicit in the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in gross and systematic human rights violations.
Canada has taken action against Russia’s shadow fleet by sanctioning over 500 vessels based on their involvement in transporting property and goods for the benefit of Russia or persons in Russia.
The amendment to the oil price cap announced today complements similar measures taken by Canada’s closest allies. Canada will continue to work with like-minded partners to increase the economic costs on Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Good to see more LAV6's are being donated. Any hints on when?