Canada is contributing another $35 million worth of military equipment to Ukraine as the embattled Eastern European country’s allies meet to discuss its future needs, and as Russia’s full invasion edges toward the two-year mark.
Defence Minister Bill Blair, who participated in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting via video link, said Canada is providing 10 Multirole Boats from Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, valued at approximately $20 million.
The rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) are a favourite of Canadian Special Forces for commando operations. The Department of National Defence (DND) says they also can be used for search and rescue, troop and cargo transport, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Ukrainian first lady considers Hunka matter ‘resolved’
Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska believes Ukraine and Canada have put the Yaroslav Hunka affair behind them, she said in her first public comments on the matter since her visit to Canada last fall.
In a Canadian exclusive interview, Zelenska said it was unfortunate the vetting process allowed for a standing ovation in the House of Commons for Hunka — a Ukrainian Canadian who fought with a Nazi unit during the Second World War — during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit in September.
Russia says 74 dead, no survivors, in crash of plane carrying Ukrainian PoWs
A military transport plane that Russia said was carrying 74 people, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war to be swapped, crashed Wednesday in a border area near Ukraine.
All aboard were killed, according to Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the crash, which occurred around 11 a.m in Belgorod region. A special military commission was on the way to the crash site, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Russian Air Force Ilyushin-76 has crashed in the southern Belgorod region bordering Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/T097m9shj9
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) January 24, 2024
