Small CANSOFCOM Contingent Bolsters Security Assistance
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) has supported Ukraine’s security forces on a periodic basis since late 2020, as part of the broader Canadian efforts to support the European nation. News reports earlier this week indicate a small CANSOFCOM contingent deployed to Ukraine in early January, amid the rising tension in the region. The deployment falls under the auspices of Operation UNIFIER, which Canada launched in September 2015 at the request of the government of Ukraine, in an effort to help bolster Ukraine’s security, stability and sovereignty.
Responding to MON, the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) both said they will not disclose details of special operations forces operations at home or abroad owing to a number of “operational sensitivities and to ensure CANSOFCOM members’ security and that of its partners and allies is preserved.” That said, it is known that CANSOFCOM has provided training, and instructor and leadership expertise, to its Ukrainian counterparts.
Although DND and CAF will not disclose details on the current deployment – including size, location or duration – it is apparent that it is one element of a deterrence mission, not simply to conduct training. One can therefore fairly assume the CANSOFCOM mission has at least three key objectives: to be part of a unified NATO front to deter Russian aggression and possible incursion or invasion; to help prepare safe evacuation plans for Canadian diplomats and any Canadian families, should the situation deteriorate to unacceptable levels, or if hostilities break out; and to aid the Ukrainian government with options planning.
Speaking to media about the situation in Ukraine, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, stated: “We are there to support and train the Ukrainian troops, and we’re working with our international partners and colleagues to make it very, very clear that Russian aggression and further incursion into Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable […] Canada will continue to stand with our allies in defending our friends in Ukraine.”
Training has continued apace in recent months, with Operation UNIFIER members participating in multinational training with British and Swedish forces as part of a Collective Training Advisory Group (CTAG), which teaches various techniques to Ukrainian forces. Some of these included urban operations, raids, navigation and shooting. In addition, a CAF Medical Group has also recently administered Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses for the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU).
In addition to Operation UNIFIER, Canada has committed over C$785 million ($628 million) in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine since 2014, including low-interest loans, bilateral development assistance, projects in support of peace and stabilisation as well as humanitarian assistance to help those affected by the conflict in the East.
Dr Joetey Attariwala reporting from Vancouver for MON
