Foreign
Canada Considers Joining Potential Ukraine Peacekeeping Force.
Canada has indicated a potential willingness to contribute to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, should a ceasefire be established. Defence Minister Bill Blair alluded to this development at the Conference of Defence Associations Institute annual forum in Ottawa on Wednesday.
While confirming ongoing discussions with involved parties, Minister Blair assured reporters that Canada “is ready and able to make a contribution to that force.” He also acknowledged the necessity of addressing critical aspects, particularly “security guarantees for Ukraine and foreign forces.”
This potential commitment aligns Canada with a “coalition of the willing,” spearheaded by Britain and France, aiming to secure a peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany are also anticipated to participate in this multinational effort. The initiative comes amidst concerted European efforts to bolster support for Ukraine, particularly given recent fluctuations in the U.S. relationship.