Canada has announced a new commitment at Kingston during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined a plan to allocate 3 million Canadian dollars to support mine clearance efforts in Ukraine. The figure converts to roughly 2.2 million U.S. dollars and is part of a broader initiative to reduce the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and landmines in affected areas. The announcement was reported by TASS and other outlets, underscoring the international dimension of Canada’s assistance in the region.
Beyond funding, Trudeau indicated Ottawa will extend the Ukrainian soldier training program hosted in Poland and will maintain the staffing and resources needed to carry those efforts forward into at least the autumn season. In addition to training operations, Canadian representatives will dispatch instructors to enhance medical capabilities within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The aim is to bolster frontline medical skills and emergency response readiness, supporting Ukraine’s overall defense and resilience in the face of ongoing threats.
Canada, in collaboration with the European Union, is also committed to supplying Ukraine with equipment that supports energy system resilience. The supply package is intended to help Ukraine stabilize its energy infrastructure, enabling more reliable power delivery for civilians and military operations as the country continues to manage the impacts of conflict on essential services. This assistance aligns with broader EU-Canada efforts to coordinate support for Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
In related regional security developments, Swedish Defence Minister Paul Jonsson announced that Sweden, along with Norway and Iceland, will participate in a coordinated training program for the Ukrainian army focused on demining work. The initiative emphasizes safety and operational readiness as Ukrainian forces work to clear contested or hazardous areas, reducing risks for soldiers and civilians alike. Training is expected to cover best practices in mine clearance, risk assessment, and the use of modern demining technologies as part of a broader security collaboration.
Meanwhile, a humanitarian demining center is planned for Ukraine, with officials describing it as a strategic hub for decontamination and risk reduction activities. The center will coordinate mine clearance operations, provide training and equipment to front-line teams, and contribute to safer environments for communities recovering after conflict. This development is part of a broader package of international assistance aimed at accelerating stabilization, protecting civilians, and supporting long-term reconstruction efforts. The announcements, including the Ukraine-related declarations from Ukrainian leadership, reflect a shared international commitment to reducing the immediate and lingering dangers posed by explosive remnants of war. Attribution: official government and international partner statements to be consulted for full context [citation: Canadian government; European Union; Swedish Ministry of Defense].