Commander of the Canadian Army visits soldiers on Operation UNIFIER
News release
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 Army personnel deployed on Operation UNIFIER, Canada's military training mission in Ukraine, as well as with Ukrainian and allied partners.
In his first trip to Ukraine since taking command of the Canadian Army, LGen Lanthier visited 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; the Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, Colonel-General Yurii Allerov; and the Commander of United States Army Europe, Lieutenant-General Christopher Cavoli. Moreover, LGen Lanthier visited the National Guard of Ukraine, 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 Army's efforts to provide military instruction and enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are helping Ukraine to implement key reforms and to maintain its sovereignty, security and stability.
"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 Allies."
Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army
Quick facts
Operation UNIFIER is part of Canada's response to requests from the Government of Ukraine, where the Canadian Armed Forces, with support from Global Affairs Canada, is providing assistance – including military training and capacity building to Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel – to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain sovereignty, security and stability.
As of November 1, 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.
Approximately 200 CAF members are deployed to Ukraine, the majority of whom are from the 2nd Canadian Division. The mandate of Operation UNIFIER expires at the end of March 2019.
Canadian Armed Forces members showcase their expertise and professionalism as they provide military training that enhances peace support operations, interoperability, institutional capacity building and professional development of Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel.
