WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Canadian contingent will not likely not be deployed until August 2015, according to Canadian media. The Canadian contingent is expected to focus on training new cadres of non-commissioned officers for the Ukrainian Army.
“Secretary Carter and Minister Kenney discussed Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine, and international efforts to provide assistance directly to Ukraine and surrounding countries, both bilaterally and through NATO reassurance initiatives,” the News said.
The two defense ministers also repeated their support for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and promised to maintain their close cooperation on joint defense.
In April 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged to dispatch 200 Canadian troops for a two-year training mission to Ukraine. He said their mission was to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and security in the face of alleged Russian aggression.
Russia has steadfastly denied any involvement in the Ukraine crisis, and has stated NATO’s actions in stepping up military exercises around Russia’s borders and sending military aid to Ukraine are dangerously escalating tensions in the region.
