CAF to Train Battalion-sized Unit for first time in Ukraine

DND Press Release

As part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to support Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces will temporarily increase the number of trainers in the country in order to assist in the training of a Battalion Tactical Group of Ukrainian troops.

Today, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are arriving at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine.

This represents the largest Canadian contingent since the start of Operation Unifier to help train and mentor the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Under Operation Unifier, the CAF is working with our US allies in providing military training and capacity building to the Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty, security, and stability.

“This increase of CAF trainers demonstrates Canada’s enduring commitment to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. This training assistance builds on previous support by our Government and will bolster Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty, security, and stability,” said The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence.

The training provided by the CAF, in coordination with our allies, contributes to enhancing the Armed Forces of Ukraine self-sufficiency in training delivery and their ability to conduct military operations across the full spectrum of conflict.

By participating in this training mission, the CAF is helping to develop the professionalism and modernization of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, supporting Ukrainian aspirations to achieve military compatibility with NATO by 2020.

Since August 2015, the CAF has deployed approximately 200 CAF personnel on a rotating basis to Ukraine and will continue to do so until the end of March 2019. More than 5 000 Armed Forces of Ukraine candidates have participated in the training.

The surge team comprises a total of 48 CAF members from infantry, artillery, armored and logistical corps, increasing Canada’s presence to approximately 240 personnel for the duration of the temporary increase.

The duration of the temporary increase to the training team is approximately 60 days.

The International Peacekeeping and Security Centre is located in Starychi in western Ukraine close to the Polish border.