Readout of Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre’s Visit to Ukraine

March 4, 2023 – Warsaw, Poland – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre concluded a productive visit to Kyiv, Ukraine.  While there, he met with Ukrainian and Canadian officials, observed firsthand the progress in the region, and the tangible results of Canada’s support. General Eyre also had the opportunity to discuss how Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces can contribute to Ukraine’s future needs.

During his visit, General Eyre received detailed briefings from members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff, and had in-depth discussions with his counterpart, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. He also met with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence, Andriy Shevchenko and the Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, Lieutenant-General Yuriy Lebid. In all they discussed the current state of the war in Ukraine, and further bilateral defence cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.

During his engagement with General Zaluzhnyi, General Eyre reiterated the Canadian Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to continued solidarity with Ukraine and promised to continue supporting Ukraine directly or in cooperation with Allies in Eastern Europe.

General Eyre had the opportunity to meet with Ukrainian soldiers, some of whom had been trained under Operation UNIFIER, to hear about their experiences and the value of Canadian donations and training. He was humbled and inspired by their courage, their ingenuity, and their resolve as they continue to fight valiantly for their sovereignty against Russian forces. General Eyre also had the opportunity to participate in the national daily moment of silence for fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv and was honoured with the responsibility of laying flowers at the Wall of Remembrance for the Fallen.

General Eyre also met with the Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador Larisa Galadza, to share perspectives from both Ottawa and Kyiv.

The situation in Ukraine and its wider impact reinforces the needed urgency to ensure Canadian Armed Forces’ continued readiness in support of Ukraine and NATO and in an increasingly dangerous world.

Associated links

• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian military support to Ukraine
• Operation UNIFIER
• Operation REASSURANCE