Minister McGuinty attends 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
News release
September 9, 2025 – Brussels, Belgium – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 30th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by the United Kingdom and Germany. The meeting was held virtually and brought together representatives from approximately 50 countries, who gathered to discuss the provision of military aid to Ukraine.
Minister McGuinty reiterated Canada’s unwavering support to Ukraine, and highlighted Canada’s latest allocated funding of military aid, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Kyiv, Ukraine, on August 24, 2025:
- Canada will donate approximately $835 million to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armoured vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine.
- Canada will donate approximately $680 million (USD $500 million) for the purchase of a NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List package of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance.
- Canada will donate $220 million to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, in line with the Letter of Intent on Canada-Ukraine Joint Production of Defence Material.
- Canada will donate $165 million to support Canada’s ongoing work in Ukraine Defense Contact Group Capability Coalitions, including efforts to source critical capabilities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Canada will donate $100 million to source ammunition and explosives through the Czech Ammunition Initiative.
The Minister also confirmed that eight Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) were delivered to Poland and are on their way to Ukraine. All 50 of the ACSVs that Canada committed to Ukraine in 2023 are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
Canada will continue to work with Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the military aid that it needs to defend itself.
Quotes
“Ukrainians are fighting valiantly on the frontlines against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war. This package of comprehensive military aid will enable Ukraine to continue its battle for freedom, territorial integrity, and democracy. Canada commends the bravery and strength of Ukrainians, and we will continue to stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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Since February 2022, Canada has committed nearly $22 billion in multi-faceted assistance to Ukraine, including over $6.5 billion in military assistance. This includes multi-mission drones, armoured combat support vehicles, high-resolution cameras, large calibre ammunition, as well as small arms and ammunition. Canada is also contributing to multinational efforts to train pilots and maintain and support Ukraine's F-16s.
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Canada also contributes to four Capability Coalitions under the UDCG, including the Air Force Capability Coalition, the Armour Capability Coalition, the Drone Capability Coalition and the IT Capability Coalition.
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Canada further contributes to Euro-Atlantic security through our support to Ukraine. Operation (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 45,000 members of the AFU under Op UNIFIER. CAF members are deployed under Op UNIFIER in various roles, including to provide and coordinate training, and to facilitate and deliver military donations to Ukraine in coordination with Allies and partners.
- Canada also contributes personnel, including to key leadership positions to NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, the NATO command that coordinates the provision of military equipment and training to Ukraine.
Associated links
Contacts
Alice Hansen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: Alice.Hansen2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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