**Canada Steps Up Support for Ukraine with $1.5 Billion in Military Aid and New Sanctions**
In a significant show of support, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a major aid package for Ukraine on June 17 during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. The measures include two billion Canadian dollars ($1.5 billion USD) in military funding and new sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s energy revenues and evasion tactics.
**Unwavering Support for Ukraine**
The aid package is a clear indication of Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Prime Minister Carney was quoted as saying, “To be absolutely clear, this support will be unwavering until we get a just peace for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.” The funding will go towards providing drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, as well as a $2.3-billion loan to support the reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks.
**Targeting Russia’s Energy Revenue**
The new sanctions announced by Canada target 77 individuals and 39 entities, including 15 people involved in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” three financial firms facilitating war-related transactions, and 14 entities tied to the development of quantum technologies with possible military use. This is a significant step towards restricting Russia’s energy revenues and cutting off its ability to fund its military operations.
**Global Response to Russian Aggression**
Canada’s announcement comes alongside similar measures from the U.K., which sanctioned individuals and entities connected to Russian finance, energy, and military operations. The international community is sending a clear message that they will not stand idly by while Russia continues to wreak havoc on Ukraine. As President Volodymyr Zelensky noted, “Ukraine has just endured one of the largest missile attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion,” killing 14 and injuring 117 people in Kyiv.
**A Message of Solidarity**
The aid package and sanctions announced by Canada are a message of solidarity with Ukraine and a strong rebuke to Russia’s aggression. As the international community continues to respond to Russian actions, one thing is clear: the world will not stand idly by while innocent lives are lost and civilians are forced to flee their homes.
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