Op UNIFIER - CAF and the Ukraine Crisis

[The Bread Guy]

From the UKR Info-machine (Google Translate version quoted, original in Ukrainian here) - highlights mine:

In Lviv completed international military exercises "Maple Arch 2016"

Today, on November 18 in Lviv, at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre completed a multinational command post exercise "Maple Arch 2016". Maneuvers, which lasted about two weeks, took place under the mentoring of Canadian instructors with the participation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland.

Ukraine was represented on training soldiers landing-assault battalion 80 th separate Landing and Assault Brigade Airborne Forces of Ukraine, part of the dowry departments Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade. According to the Principal Investigator exercises on the Ukrainian side Skybyuka colonel Igor, Ukrainian paratroopers, the whole process of planning and decision making was by the Euro-Atlantic processes.

- It is important to note that the staff structure landing-assault battalion was adapted according to the structure of NATO. The area where the events unfolded command and staff training - specific region of the state. This was done to ensure that our troops have the opportunity to "attached" to the ground and could more realistic and detailed work - said Lt. Col. Igor Skybyuk.

During the exercise, bringing together more than two hundred armiytsiv the four countries was coordinated and synchronized procedures to ensure order and further tasks dowry to the multinational brigade Ukrainian, Polish and Lithuanian battalions. Also, soldiers improved their practical skills during stabilization and peacekeeping operations.

As the co-education of Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John Woodgate, scenario of military maneuvers developed by the Canadian military experts, was dynamic, realistic and challenging.

- During the exercises were created opportunities for soldiers from different countries to collaborate, learn and share experiences. Scenario studies meet the threats and challenges that are most typical for modern armed conflicts worldwide. We are satisfied with the results that had been achieved by all participants of training - said Lieutenant Colonel John Woodgate.

In celebration of the completion of the international military exercises came the military high-ranking individuals from participating countries, including the commander of land forces of Lithuania Brigadier General Valdemaras Rupshis, commander LYTPOLUKRBRYH Colonel of the Armed Forces of Poland Zenon Bzhushko, commander of the 5th Division of the Armed Forces of Canada Brigadier General Charles Tyuren and commander 80 th separate landing and assault brigade Airborne Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Vladimir Shvorak.

The guests visited the command post deployed Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian brigade, who performs under the direction of Deputy Commander Colonel Vladimir LYTPOLUKRBRYH Yudanov. They also attended the briefing, the commander of the landing-assault battalion, Major Oleg Balyasa, inspected the work of other sections and departments involved and responsible for organizing and conducting training, talked to the participants of the "Maple Arch 2016".

During the closing ceremony of multinational military exercises best were awarded memorable.

Photos from the Info-machine attached.

 

[George Wallace]

http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=index&crtr.page=1&nid=1156899

News Release - Successful Conclusion of NATO Partnership for Peace Exercise MAPLE ARCH 16

November 18, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Approximately 200 military personnel from Canada, Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania successfully completed Exercise MAPLE ARCH 16 (MA 16), a 10-day command post exercise which took place at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, located near Lviv, Ukraine, from November 7 to 18, 2016. 

Exercise MA 16 focused on peace support and stability operations, where partner countries studied NATO procedures and tested the coordination, fluency, and effectiveness of their cooperation. The training event provided an opportunity for the Canadian Army to foster international military relations by enabling Ukraine’s participation in a multinational exercise.

Additionally, MA 16 enhanced interoperability among troop-contributing nations and promoted collective competence and confidence.

Quote

“The support of the Canadian Armed Forces to Ukraine’s participation in Exercise MAPLE ARCH is an excellent opportunity. Training and learning together ensures we can act as a cohesive team when working collectively to provide peace support and stability operations on an international stage.”

– Lieutenant-Colonel John Woodgate, Commander, Canadian Component, Exercise MAPLE ARCH 16


Quick Facts

• The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have been supporting Ukraine’s participation in Exercise MAPLE ARCH through the Military Training Cooperation Program since planning for the first exercise began in 1994. Part of the mandate of this Program is to enhance peace support operations interoperability among Canada’s partners.
  
• Exercise MAPLE ARCH continues to further enhance the excellent working relationship Canada has with Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine regarding key aspects of peace support operations.
  
• Through its support to Ukraine’s participation in Exercise MAPLE ARCH, the Canadian Army demonstrates its commitment to promoting global security and maintaining transatlantic partnerships by providing modern, deployable capabilities and highly trained personnel to allied and partner efforts.
  
• The Canadian Army holds teamwork and interoperability as key tenets, and recognizes that it must support and seamlessly integrate with its allies and partners. This interoperability is contingent on unit and brigade level training, which is exemplified during Exercise MAPLE ARCH.

 

[The Bread Guy]

CDS drops by (via UKR MoD info-machine)...

Chief of Defence Staff of Canada Colonel General Jonathan Vance arrived to Ukraine with official visit to inspect the training mission (JMTG-U) conducted at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Lviv oblast.

He discussed with the Ukrainian officials the prospects of the Canadian-Ukrainian defence cooperation.

At the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre General Vance will meet with Canadian instructors training the Ukrainian military.

In July 2016 the Canadian Chief of Defence visited Ukraine and held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart General of the Army of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Nice boots.

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Actually EITS, the first thing that popped in my mind was "At least, the UKR generals know how to dress properly for international GO's meetings."

Sorry! It's my Navy bias showing, I know, but ... it's a classroom/base setting and you are meeting with your foreign equivalent. Put a friggin suit on, man. \RANT OFF

 

[The Bread Guy]

According to this story (Ukrainian media, in Russian), MP James Bezan is quoted saying, "We need to extend the operation Unifier, to 200 instructors and more trained Ukrainian military and logistical support provided to them."

Some English-language coverage of his comments (looking like they were made to a Ukrainian media correspondent) ...

• "The current Government of Canada may terminate some programs of support for Ukraine in order not to irritate Russia ..."
• "Canada should provide financial support to Kyiv in order to help Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia ..."

 

[Kirkhill]

1 CER standing with the Lithuanians to repel Putin's Hordes.  If only they had been in the Ardennes 78 years ago.

Any of you know a Sgt Tyler Doyle? (Don't answer that.)



http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/753554/NATO-Putin-Russia-tanks-armoured-troops-eastern-Europe-war-west

"NATO releases guide of how to stop a TANK as US military gears up for war against Putin

NATO has released a DIY video of how to stop a tank as Eastern Europe welcomes troops and an armoured brigade in a bid to quell Russian aggression.

By REBECCA FLOOD
PUBLISHED: 11:01, Sat, Jan 14, 2017

The organisation released the clip on its official YouTube page, entitled ‘how to stop a tank using felled trees’.

In the footage, a group of Canadian and NATO engineers explain the ancient method, which dates back to Roman times.

Called Abatis, felling large trees using explosives or chainsaws is used to block a tank’s path.

Smaller branches are sliced into spikes to make their removal near impossible, creating an impassable obstacle.

The organisation released the clip on its official YouTube page

Tanks are either forced to find a way around, delaying its progress, or the technique can be used to trap the armoured vehicle and launch a counter-strike.

Filmed last year in Lithuania during training exercise Iron Sword 2016, Sergeant Tyler Doyle, from the First Combat Engineer Regiment in the Canadian Army, said the method was as effective now as hundreds of years ago.

He says: “The idea behind this is to close the route and deny it to the enemy to be able to use it and move forward so we use explosives to blow down the trees basically in a tangled web, so it’s difficult for them to come after and try and remove these logs.

“It’s very effective if done right. It is still an effective tool in modern warfare when done correctly.”

It comes as the US sent hundreds of tanks, trucks and a host of other military equipment to Europe, to be transported to the eastern reaches where the nations exist in the looming shadow of Russia.

Some 4,000 US troops are also being deployed to take part in NATO exercises, some due to take take place at the end of the month in Poland.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Good question ...

Ukraine's envoy says his government is growing concerned about whether Canada will continue its military support to help the country deter Russian aggression.

The mission is set to expire at the end of March.

But with thousands of U.S. troops arriving in Poland and neighbouring countries to bolster NATO forces, Ukraine — not a NATO member — is anxious to see an extension of Canada's commitment to it.

"It has taken us much longer than we expected to discuss the future format of our co-operation," Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukrainian ambassador to Canada, said in an interview. "We still don't have a formal response from Canada."

A spokeswoman for Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan offered no further clarification on Friday, saying in an email: "The announcement will come after cabinet has made a decision."

Shevchenko suggested Canada might be more carefully weighing its military contributions to the West's deterrence of Russia in eastern Europe in light of its upcoming responsibilities in Latvia.

The sooner a decision is made, he said, the sooner it will serve its purpose as deterrence to Russia.

"It could also be a very important signal to Russia," he said. "Those people who sit in the Kremlin and plan their other terrible activities in Ukraine, the sooner they learn that the West and Canada is serious about future co-operation, the better it is." ...

From a few weeks back (6 Dec 2016) ...

The Liberal government signalled to its allies that it is prepared to extend Canada's military training mission in Ukraine, CBC News has learned.

A series of senior Ukrainian government officials visited Ottawa over the last few weeks, warning of the dangers of warming frosty relations with Russia.

But they have also lobbied for renewed Canadian assistance beyond March 2017, when the current deployment is set to expire.

Several sources, with knowledge of the file who could not speak publicly, said there is a clear intention for Canada to remain, but the size, scope and composition of the force is yet to be determined and the federal cabinet has yet to give its blessing ...

op:

 

[beachdown]

Ahahaha...you cheeky sod  ;D

Nice boots.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Just saw this:

UNCLAS
CANFORGEN CMP 004/17
SECTION 1 OF 2
SUBJ: RECOGNITION FOR OPERATION REASSURANCE AND OPERATION UNIFIER
REFS: A. CANFORGEN 073/16 CMP 076/16 251912Z APR 16
B. CANFORGEN 003/09 CMP 002/09 081950Z JAN 09
C. CANFORGEN 096/09 CMP 042/09 201315Z MAY 09
1. FURTHER TO REF A, AFC HAS DETERMINED THAT THE USE OF THE EXISTING
NATO AND EXPEDTION BARS TO THE SPECIAL SERVICE MEDAL IS THE MOST
APPROPRIATE AND TIMELY METHOD TO RECOGNIZE SERVICE WITH OPS
REASSURANCE AND UNIFIER RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE CDS HAS DIRECTED
THE CF HONOURS POLICY COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A HOLISTIC REVIEW OF THE
SERVICE RECOGNITION FRAMEWORK AND INTENDS TO RECOMMEND TO THE
GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES THAT THE TIME CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN MEDALS BE
AMENDED IN DUE COURSE
2. CONSEQUENTLY, AFC HAS APPROVED THE ADDITION OF THE FOL SERVICE TO
THE ELIGIBILITY LISTS FOR CERTAIN CAMPAIGN AND SERVICE MEDALS, AS



PAGE 2 RCCLHBF2018 UNCLAS CANFORGEN
FOLLOWS:
A. SPECIAL SERVICE MEDAL-NATO (SSM-NATO):

(1) SERVICE OF CAF MEMBERS WHO DEPLOYED TO CAMPIA TURZII, ROMANIA,
LITHUANIA AND SPANGDAHLEM AIRBASE IN GERMANY AS PART OF THE AIR TASK
FORCE (ATF), INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE NATO BALTIC AIR PATROL
(BAP), SINCE 29 APRIL 2014 (OP REASSURANCE). NO MULTIPLYING FACTOR

(2) SERVICE OF CAF MEMBERS WHO DEPLOYED TO EASTERN AND CENTRAL
EUROPE AS PART OF THE LAND TASK FORCE (LTF), SINCE 29 APRIL 2014 (OP
REASSURANCE). NO MULTIPLYING FACTOR

(3) SERVICE OF CAF MEMBERS WHO SERVED ONBOARD HMC SHIPS IN THE
MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEAS UNDER NATO SNMG2, SINCE 29 APRIL 2014
(OP REASSURANCE), PROVIDED THE SERVICE IS NOT COUNTED TOWARDS A NATO
MEDAL. NO MULTIPLYING FACTOR. ONLY TIME SPENT UNDER NATO COMMAND IS
ELIGIBLE - TRANSIT TIME DOES NOT COUNT. SERVICE UNDER NATO OPS
ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR AND SEA GUARDIAN COUNTS TOWARDS THE APPROPRIATE
NATO MEDALS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED NUMERALS AND NOT FOR THE SSM-NATO

(4) SERVICE OF CAF MEMBERS DEPLOYED TO FORWARD LOGISTICS SITES (FLS)
IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF HMC SHIPS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEAS
UNDER NATO SNMG2 (WHEN THE SHIPS ARE NOT UNDER OPS ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR
OR SEA GUARDIAN), SINCE 29 APRIL 2014 (OP REASSURANCE). NO
MULTIPLYING FACTOR

(5) SERVICE OF CAF MEMBERS IN LATVIA AS PART OR IN DIRECT SUPPORT OF
THE ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE (EFP) BATTLEGROUP LATVIA, SINCE 22 APR
2017 (OP REASSURANCE). NO MULTIPLYING FACTOR

B.SPECIAL SERVICE MEDAL-EXPEDITION (SSM-EXP):

(1) SERVICE OF CAF MEMBERS WHO DEPLOYED TO UKRAINE TO PROVIDE
MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO THE UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES, SINCE 13 JUNE
2015 (OP UNIFIER)

3. FULL CRITERIA AS WELL AS COMPLETE ELIGIBILITY LISTS MAY BE FOUND
ON THE DH R WEB SITE AT http://HTTP://FORCES.GC.CA/EN/HONOURS-HISTORY-
MEDALS-CHART/MEDALS-CHART-INDEX.PAGE

4. GIVEN THE TIME THAT HAS ELAPSED SINCE REF A AND TO ENSURE THE
MEDALS WILL BE SENT TO THE RECIPIENT S CURRENT UNIT IN A TIMELY
MANNER, ALL APPLICATIONS FOR THE SSM-NATO BASED ON OP REASSURANCE
SERVICE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE PROMULGATION OF REF A HAVE BEEN
CANCELLED AND UNITS SHALL MAKE NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THEIR ELIGIBLE
PERS IAW REFS B AND C
END OF ENGLISH TEXT /

 

[The Bread Guy]

Meanwhile ...

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says the federal government is concerned about a new outbreak of fighting in Ukraine and is looking at ways to "improve" Canada's military support to the country.

"I'm looking at the options right now in terms of how we can improve our support, what changes that we need to make," Sajjan said Wednesday.

"But one thing is for sure, that Canada remains committed to Ukraine."

Government forces and Russian-backed rebels have traded heavy fire in eastern Ukraine over the last few days, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens more.

The surge in violence is threatening to overturn a ceasefire in the three-year-old civil war that has been repeatedly broken by both sides, but is still seen as the best chance for peace.

It also comes amid uncertainty over U.S. intentions in the region, including whether it will continue to stand with Ukraine given President Donald Trump's comments about mending relations with Russia.

Canada first deployed about 200 troops to Ukraine in the summer of 2015 to help train government forces after Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist forces in Ukraine's Donbass region.

The mission, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau toured during a visit to the country in July, has so far resulted in 2,600 Ukrainian troops being trained primarily in the basic soldiering.

But the mission is set to expire at the end of March and the Liberal government had been non-committal on an extension despite public appeals from the Ukrainian government.

Sajjan's comments, coming a few weeks after the British extended their own training mission, are the strongest indication yet that Canada will maintain, and may even expand, its military presence in Ukraine.

"I've always said when we send troops, we want to make sure they have a meaningful impact," Sajjan said. "And we are having a meaningful impact in Ukraine."

Conservative defence critic James Bezan said he hopes the Liberal government not only extends the current training mission, but expands military support in other ways.

That includes providing military equipment to the Ukrainians and satellite imagery, as the previous Conservative government did.

"At some point in time we have to make a decision that Ukraine needs our help," Bezan said ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

OP edit to fix link, correct next unit ...

Some of the latest from The Canadian Press:

Some 200 soldiers from Edmonton are preparing to deploy to Ukraine — though with everyone waiting to see whether the mission there will be extended, exactly how long they will be staying is anyone's guess.

Canada, Britain and the United States have had military trainers in Ukraine since the summer of 2015, after Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist forces in Ukraine's Donbass region.

The Canadians have taught about 2,600 Ukrainian troops the basics of soldiering, such as how to use their weapons and move as a unit, plus more advanced skills, such as bomb disposal and medical training.

Ukrainian and Canadian officials say those skills have been desperately needed given the amount of support Russia has provided to the rebels operating in the Donbass.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has claimed close to 10,000 lives since April 2014, and left tens of thousands without homes and struggling to survive.

But Canada's training mission is set to expire at the end of March, and in spite of public appeals from the Ukrainian government, the Liberal government has not decided whether to extend it.

Despite the uncertainty, about 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Lord Strathcona’s Horse are set to leave for Ukraine at the beginning of March — even if it means they only end up staying for a month.

"We are prepared right now to send the next rotation of troops from western Canada to the Ukraine to follow on with the tasks that the previous rotation has been doing," said Brig.-Gen. Simon Hetherington, commander of the 3rd Canadian Division, under which 1 PPCLI falls.

"I understand that the mandate is being reviewed by our government and we're prepared to react in any eventuality, whether that means changing our posture in theatre to embrace new tasks or to reduce the number, if that's what the government asks us to do."

The Edmonton-based soldiers will relieve their counterparts from 2 PPCLI, based out of Shilo, Man., who have been on the ground training Ukrainian forces near the city of Lviv since August ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

From the CAF Info-machine:

Op UNIFIER recycles while supporting a good cause

Article / February 10, 2017
By Capt Stephen Neil, JTF-U Chaplain

In addition to training their Ukrainian counterparts while on Operation UNIFIER, members of Joint Task Force – Ukraine (JTF-U) have been supporting an initiative to provide prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian soldiers.

When Canadian troops in Ukraine recycle their bottles and caps, the monetary value of the weight of the plastic is donated to OBEC, an organization that provides prosthetic limbs.

Caritas is a charitable organization that operates under the auspices of the Ukrainian Catholic church, and part of the current mandate of Caritas is to be a bottle cap delivery depot.

So far, 72 tonnes of plastic has been collected to provide prosthetic limbs for ten Ukrainian soldiers.

This past fall, several members of JTF-U had the opportunity to meet representatives of OBEC, as well as Roman Didera — a veteran who has received a prosthetic limb.

Canadian soldiers appreciate how prosthetic limbs are readily available at home for injured veterans. Realizing that prosthetic limbs aren’t as easily available for Ukrainian veterans has inspired the members of JTF-U to commit to recycling for charity.

The conversation with the Ukrainians also helped members of JTF-U appreciate the wide range of services that are offered to our members and their families. For example, Canadian troops have access to the services of the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), chaplain services both in theatre and on the home front, as well as mental health services.

A poignant takeaway from the meeting was the appreciation of many Ukrainians for the work of JTF-U.

Canadians are helping to make a difference in the lives of Ukrainians who have experienced trauma as a nation at different times in the not-so-distant past.

At the meeting at Caritas, Canadian soldiers could express their support for the sacrifices being made by Ukrainian soldiers.

 

[The Bread Guy]

How "editorial triage" can sometimes work ...
Ukrainian defence magazine (in Ukrainian):  "... Canada is working in some areas, but sometimes it happens so that Canadian businesses, unfortunately, can not work comfortably in Ukraine, because we have both corruption component. we have unresolved issues in law and foreign partners simply do not see how to further develop the defense industry in Ukraine, how to organize military-technical cooperation" ..."
Russian military TV channel (in Russian):  "The US and Canada rejected the military cooperation with Ukraine -- US and Canadian companies, previously supplied to Ukraine components for the production of weapons, refused to cooperate. This was stated by the director of information and consulting company Sergey Zgurets Defense Express ..."

 

[The Bread Guy]

Some of the latest ...

Canada is set to renew a military mission training Ukrainian troops to confront Russia-backed separatists in the east of Ukraine, despite concerns in Kiev over delays in announcing the extension of the program.

The Trudeau cabinet has not yet announced the extension of the two-year-old non-combat mission, dubbed Operation Unifier, which expires on March 31. The silence has sparked worries in Kiev, where the Ukrainian government is anxious for Western reassurance following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in striking some kind of bargain with Russian President Vladimir Putin that could include lowering U.S. sanctions imposed over Moscow’s role in Ukraine.

“The longer it takes to [extend] the mission, the more our concern is rising,” Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko, told The Globe and Mail in an interview at his office in Kiev.

But a senior Canadian government official said Ukraine didn’t need to worry about the future of Operation Unifier, which has seen a rotating contingent of 200 Canadian troops train more than 3,100 Ukrainian soldiers since arriving in the country two years ago.

“Canada understands that Ukraine, and everybody who is a stakeholder and supporter, really wants mission renewal,” the senior official said. “There is nothing unique about going through a mission renewal process and there is absolutely nothing unique about how this one is being done. It is a routine renewal from a government that has been making positive signs.” ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War petition:  Don't stay in Ukraine, Canada!

Canada's military mission to Ukraine expires in March. For several reasons, it shouldn't be renewed.

First, the present Ukrainian government, installed in a coup orchestrated by Washington, isn't  worthy of our support. According to the BBC, former US Assistant Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, admitted that the U.S.A. spent $5 billion over a number of years to instigate regime change in Ukraine.

Second, the agents of regime change recruited by Nuland were none other than gangs of thugs from several fascist parties, remnants of the very same Ukrainian fascists allied to Hitler in WW 2. They fought soldiers and police in the main squares of Kiev and other cities.  Canadian veterans might be surprised to learn that the Trudeau government is considering renewing Canada's military mission to a country with the same fascists they fought in WW 2.

Third, the Ukrainian junta immediately implemented divisive policies, such as banning some of the country's most popular political parties as well as the use of the Russian language. It seems logical that Crimea would have been less likely to have voted to leave and rejoin Russia, and Eastern Russian-speaking regions would been much more hesitant to seek independence if a more moderate and tolerant government took office in the proper constitutional methods.

A fourth reason is the reaction of the Ukrainian government to the brutal Odessa massacre of May 2, 2014. On that day, over 40 peaceful anti-government protesters were killed and some 200 injured when pro-government thugs set fire to the Trade Union House in which they had taken shelter. This incident has not been properly investigated and no culprits arrested or punished.

The fifth reason to be against renewal of Canada's military mission is that contrary to the promises made to the last Soviet president, Mikhaill Gorbachev, NATO expansion continued to the east, along with a continuing military build up along its western borders, even bringing in former Soviet republics into NATO. It is understandable why the Russians would think there is an attempt to encircle them, especially now with the possibility of Ukrainian membership in NATO. We should remember that Russia was invaded twice in the twentieth century from the West costing tens of millions of Russian lives and huge devastation. A major war, possibly WW 3, could develop from western war games and aggressive expansion along the Russian frontier and being involved in conflict zones in Eastern Ukraine.It's time that the Trudeau government broke with aggressive Harper-era policies and dealt fairly and diplomatically with the Russian Federation.

For this reason, it would be far wiser for the Trudeau government not to extend the military mission to Ukraine and to pull its troops and equipment out of all the frontier states with Russia. Indeed, Canadians would benefit from cutting ties with NATO altogether and pursuing instead a peaceful, humane, and independent foreign policy.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Canada helps train UKR NCO's - this from the UKR info-machine (in Ukrainian - Google Translation below):

In 197th Training Center NCO experts Armed Forces of Canada completed a course of training curricula according to NATO standards
Yesterday at 17:37 | ID: 27615 | Views: 215

In 197th NCOs Training Center completed a course of study rules curricula and teaching materials for training military to NATO standards, conducted by specialists of the Armed Forces of Canada.

Courses successfully completed and received certificates of 30 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including instructors and specialists in curriculum development and teaching materials 197 Training Centre, officers training centers, military colleges sergeants (petty) composition, command some families and troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Centre operational standards for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Acquired for teaching knowledge and skills will be used for implementing the system of education and training of the Armed Forces of Ukraine of new approaches to training of personnel that have proven effective in EU member countries.

Participation in the graduation ceremony was the chief officers of the Armed Forces Chief Warrant Ukraine Oleksandr Kosinski and adviser to NATO corps of NCOs and NCO training colonel Rolandas Kishkis.

Office of Public Armed Forces of Ukraine

Pix courtesy of the the UKR MoD Info-machine ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

Team Blue pushes for lethal aid (highlights mine) - shared under the Fair Dealing provisions of the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42) ...

The government must explain how it plans to continue support for Ukraine in light of recent Russian aggression and make a strong show of increasing both humanitarian and lethal aid to Ukrainian soldiers, Conservative MPs said Thursday.

In a press conference Thursday, the Conservative defence and foreign affairs critics called on the government to implement several steps they said would show strong support for Ukraine.

They’re calling on the Trudeau government to: extend and expand the current training mission; restore the provision of satellite imagery to the Ukrainian military; add Ukraine to the Automatic Firearms Country Control List, which would let them buy arms from Canadian companies; provide them with lethal equipment; implement Magnitsky legislation to target corrupt Russian officials; sign and implent the Conservatives’ Canada-Ukraine Defence Cooperation Agreement, and; increase the number of monitors to report on violations of the Minsk ceasefire agreements.

“With the change of ministers from [former] Minister Dion to Minister Freeland, it’s going to be interesting to see whether or not they continue with their normalization of relationships with Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation,” said James Bezan, Conservative defence critic. “This is a time to put pressure on the Kremlin, to continue to isolate Putin at the international level.”

Former foreign affairs minister Stephane Dion faced criticism early in 2016 after he said at a University of Ottawa panel on international relations that Canada needed to be guided by “responsible conviction” when it comes to dealing with troublesome countries.

Many in diplomatic circles questioned exactly what that term meant and when, if ever, the new government would be willing to plant its feet and take a firm stand in diplomacy and international relations.

The former Conservative government was widely criticized by some for taking too firm a moral stance on diplomatic files, demanding Russia get out of Crimea and offering unquestioning support for Israel even as the country pursued increased illegal settlements.

Canada’s two-year Ukraine training mission, Operation Unifier, was launched by the Conservatives in 2015 but is set to expire on March 31, 2017.

Despite reports that the government plans to continue its support, there has not yet been a public announcement of plans to extend or expand the current mission, which operates out of the west of the country and far from the eastern borders where repeated and increasingly violent conflicts with Russian-backed separatists have flared.

Ukrainian ambassador Andriy Shevchenko told iPolitics last month that while the signals he has received from Canadian officials give him hope the mission will be renewed, leaving the decision so close to its deadline does little to send a clear and strong signal to Putin of Canada’s support for Ukraine.

“Even as we talk, there are people in the Kremlin who keep planning their activities in Ukraine and in other parts of the world,” he said, citing the need to send a strong deterrent signal to Putin as attacks by pro-Russian separatists intensify on Ukraine’s eastern borders. “We really feel that this public announcement of a continuation of this mission could have happened earlier.”

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ousted Dion from cabinet in January and replaced him with vocal Ukraine supporter Chrystia Freeland, speculation began that she would take a firmer line than Dion when it comes to condemning Russia — particularly given the warm words offered by U.S. President Trump to Putin in recent months.

However, Canada has yet to condemn an American decision to lift sanctions that forbade U.S. technology firms from selling their products to the Russian intelligence agency, and the breaking of an election campaign promise to implement a Magnitsky-type law sanctioning Russian officials was tossed out the window last year.

Peter Kent, Conservative foreign affairs critic, said that the escalation in the conflict over the past two years — particularly in recent months — warrants the provision of lethal aid to Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russian-backed separatists.

The government recently announced it will provide 39 different types of lethal weaponry and equipment to the Kurds for their fight against ISIS militants. The same level of support should be extended to Ukraine, Kent said.

“It’s clear that Vladimir Putin is testing the resolve of Ukraine’s allies,” Kent said, pointing to the pending deployment of Canadian and international troops as part of four NATO batallions in the Baltics aimed at deterring Russian meddling.

“We need to show resolve in Ukraine to discourage anything further.”

Here's a 2 Feb 2017 statement Kent & Bezan appear to have issued well before this week's news conference:

Peter Kent, the Official Opposition Critic for Foreign Affairs, and James Bezan, the Official Opposition Critic for National Defence, today issued the following statement urging Canada’s new Foreign Minister, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, and her colleagues to take concrete action and support Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression: 

“Russian forces continue to illegally occupy Ukraine’s sovereign territory and indiscriminate rebel artillery barrages are driving thousands of civilians from their communities.  As conditions deteriorate, Canada should not hesitate in offering additional support to our Ukrainian allies. While the previous Conservative government was proud to be a world leader in its support for Ukraine, many of our initiatives are set to expire.  We are calling on the Trudeau government to immediately renew and expand Canada’s support for humanitarian and military assistance and reverse the Liberal policy of appeasing the Kremlin and immediately restore the sharing of RADARSAT satellite images with the Government of Ukraine.

“The Canadian Armed Forces’ training mission in Ukraine, Operation UNIFIER, is set to expire at the end of March. For nearly two years, Canadian troops have been providing training in explosive ordnance disposal, flight safety, logistics system modernization, military policing, and medical training. In addition, over the last six months Ukraine’s President, Petro Poroshenko, has repeatedly called on Prime Minister Trudeau to extend Canada’s mission beyond March 2017.  He deserves a clear answer.

“The Liberals should also demonstrate their willingness to stand up to the illegal actions of the Putin regime by following through on their election promise to implement sanctions against corrupt foreign officials. The sanctions put in place by our previous Conservative government have been effective and until the illegal occupation and annexation ends, they should be maintained and strengthened.

“In addition, Conservatives have put forward ‘Magnitsky’ style legislation which, if passed, would hold Russia’s corrupt officials, murders and torturers to account. Prime Minister Trudeau’s first Foreign Affairs Minister refused to take a stand.  We urge Minister Freeland to reverse the government’s position and support our Magnitsky Act.

“Canada has long been a steadfast ally and supporter of Ukraine. As their sovereignty continues to be threatened, now is not the time for Canada to hesitate. The Trudeau government must translate their verbal support into concrete action.”

For reference, attached find a timeline of CAN mil aid to UKR under Team Blue, who is now suggesting lethal aid.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Some of the latest on Canada's help via CBC.ca ...

As the war in Eastern Ukraine grinds on, away from the international headlines, the country's Soviet-era military is struggling to suppress separatist forces backed by a modern, well-resourced Russian machine.

And it is looking to Canada for help.

Both sides in the three-year-old conflict blithely ignore commitments made under the Minsk agreement — the ceasefire plan signed in early 2015 — to keep heavy weapons out of the conflict zone.

The Ukrainians, worried by U.S. President Donald Trump's closeness to Russia and his talk of accepting the annexation of Crimea, have been manoeuvring to win back some areas where they had agreed to remain out.

The combined Russian-separatist side has also upped the tempo of its rocketing and shelling, and still tends to be more effective in using those weapons, thanks to superior command, control and communications.

The Ukrainian side, meanwhile, continues to closely resemble its Soviet predecessor with outmoded uniforms, equipment, organization and training.

Russia's armed forces have been through years of rapid modernization. The effects can be seen among the separatist forces of Luhansk and Donetsk, which include thousands of Russian soldiers nominally fighting as "volunteers" of Novorossiya or "New Russia."

The result is a conflict that sometimes resembles the Russian Army of today fighting the Russian Army of 25 years ago — the one that suffered defeat in Afghanistan and the first Chechen War.

But Ukraine and its Western allies, including Canada, are determined to change that dynamic ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

This just out from the info-machine:

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs today announced that the Government of Canada is extending Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces military training mission in Ukraine, until the end of March 2019.

Through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces provides military training and capacity-building assistance to Ukrainian Forces personnel in support of Ukraine’s efforts to maintain sovereignty, security, and stability.

Together with our allies and the Government of Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to support the professional development and enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces through a range of training activities such as:

    small team training
    explosive ordnance disposal
    military policing
    medical training
    logistics system modernisation

The Canadian Armed Forces will also be transitioning over time to support strategic institutional reform of Ukraine’s defence establishment.

Operation UNIFIER supports broader Government of Canada efforts to advance democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine through development, financial, humanitarian, and non-lethal military assistance ...