Commander of the Canadian Army visits soldiers on Operation UNIFIER

News release

Members of Operation Unifier and their Ukrainian counterparts inspect a T-80 tank at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Lviv, Ukraine.
Members of Operation Unifier and their Ukrainian counterparts inspect a T-80 tank at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Lviv, Ukraine during Operation UNIFIER on October 24, 2018. Photo: Joint Task Force-Ukraine © 2018 DND/MND CANADA

December 06, 2018 – Kyiv, Ukraine – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Commander of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, wrapped up a visit to Ukraine this week, during which he met with Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed on Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training mission in Ukraine, as well as with Ukrainian and multinational partners.

In his first trip to Ukraine since taking command of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Lanthier visited deployed Canadian soldiers at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi. He also met with the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Viktor Muzhenko; the Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Colonel General Serhii Popko; and the Commander of United States Army Europe, Lieutenant-General Christopher Cavoli. Lieutenant-General Lanthier also visited the National Guard of Ukraine where he met with the Commander, Colonel General Yurii Allerov, and attended a live-fire exercise conducted by the 30th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As part of Canada’s unwavering support to Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces are providing military instruction to enhance the capabilities of the Security Forces of Ukraine. The aim is to ‎help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty, security and stability.‎

Quotes

“Having the opportunity to witness firsthand the results of the contributions of our Canadian Army soldiers to Operation UNIFIER, reminds me why I am so honoured and privileged to lead the Canadian Army. In addition to providing training to our Ukrainian counterparts, our soldiers are also learning about their experiences, ensuring this relationship is mutually beneficial. Visits such as these are crucial as they further reinforce our strong bonds with our Ukrainian Partners.”

Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army

Quick facts

  • The training mission occurs in coordination with the Multinational Joint Commission which comprises Canada, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States. Canada joined the Joint Commission in January 2015, and co-chairs, with Ukraine, the Sub-Committee on Military Policing responsible for Military Police professionalization.

  • As of November 30, 2018, the Canadian Armed Forces Joint Task Force - Ukraine has trained more than 10,000 members of Security Forces Ukraine. There have been 230 course sessions that covered all types of training, including:  individual and collective training, combat engineer training, military police training and combat medical training.

  • Canada currently has approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Ukraine, the majority of whom are from the 2nd Canadian Division, based in Quebec. 

  • Canadian Armed Forces members showcase their expertise and professionalism as they provide military training that enhances interoperability, institutional capacity building and the professional development of the Security Forces of Ukraine.

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Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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