Ukraine, Canada defense ministers discuss security situation on Ukrainian border

Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov and Minister of National Defense of Canada Anita Anand have discussed the security situation on the Ukrainian borders and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

The meeting of the ministers took place as part of an official  visit of Anita Anand to Ukraine, Ukrinform reports, referring to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s press service.

“Special attention was paid to the aggravation of the security situation related to joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises near Ukraine's borders, further use of hybrid methods of warfare by the Russian military and political leadership against Ukraine, as well as NATO member states,” the report says.

The Defense Ministry noted that Reznikov reiterated his gratitude for the Canadian Government’s decision to provide assistance in support of Ukraine, as well as extending Operation UNIFIER until 2025 and expanding its military training mission in the country.

The parties stressed that Ukraine and Canada are strategic partners in the field of security and defense that share a common vision to counter current challenges and threats and are fully committed to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area, protection of common values and freedoms.

Anita Anand noted that Canada will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in the areas of developing democracy, reforms and building Ukrainian Armed Forces' capabilities, as well as implementing Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

According to the ministry’s press service, the heads of defense agencies agreed on the next meeting to be held in Canada this March.

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