Defence Minister McGuinty participates in the 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
News release
July 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 29th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom and Germany. The meeting was held virtually and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries.
During the meeting, Minister McGuinty announced that Canada will be donating an additional $20 million to support the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Repair facility in Poland. This donation comes from the Government of Canada’s 2025-26 investment for military assistance to Ukraine.
Minister McGuinty also reaffirmed that Canada is providing an additional $2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, highlighting Prime Minister Carney’s announcement last month at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit. This brings Canada’s total commitment of military assistance to $6.5 billion since February 2022.
The Minister also noted that the delivery of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles to the Polish logistics hub will begin in August 2025. Training is underway and the delivery of all 50 vehicles will be completed before the end of this year.
Canada continues to work closely with Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid that it needs as quickly as possible.
Quotes
“Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war is also a fight for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Through our coordinated military assistance, Canada and our international partners are working to enhance Ukraine’s defences against Russian aggression. Canada commends the bravery and strength of Ukrainians, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine."
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
-
Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $19.5 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including $6.5 billion in military assistance. This includes multi-mission drones, Armoured Combat Support Vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition. Canada is also contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine’s F-16s.
-
Canada also contributes to four Capability Coalitions under the UDCG, including the Air Force Capability Coalition, Armour Capability Coalition, Drone Capability Coalition and Information Technology Capability Coalition.
-
Canada further supports Ukraine’s security through Operation (Op) UNIFIER. Op UNIFIER is the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) military training and capacity building mission in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Since 2015, the CAF has trained over 54,000 members of the AFU under Op UNIFIER. Over 300 CAF members are deployed under Op UNIFIER in various roles, including the provision and coordination of training, and the facilitation and delivery of military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies and partners.
Associated links
Contacts
Laurent de Casanove
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: laurent.decasanove@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Page details
- Date modified: