2024-03-01 20:51:05
Canada is open to sending a limited number of soldiers to Ukraine, according to a report. As Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair told the Toronto Star, Canadian military personnel might be sent to the country attacked by Russia as long as the operation takes place far from the front lines in a clear, non-combat role.
The idea was discussed earlier this week at the international Ukraine conference in Paris, where Blair attended the security summit along with Canada’s NATO allies and other Ukraine supporters. After the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed sending armed troops to Ukraine. As a result, several countries, including Germany and Canada, said they would reject the idea.
On Friday, Macron stepped up despite international criticism. “Every word I say on this topic is considered, thoughtful and prudent,” he told broadcaster BFMTV at the opening of the Olympic Village in Paris.
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Western combat troops in Ukraine: Putin warns of tragic consequences
Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin had already urgently warned the West on Thursday once morest using ground troops. The consequences of such a move might be “tragic,” Putin said in his state of the nation address. He accused the West of creating the risk of a nuclear conflict.
Despite Canada’s initial statement that it had “no plans to send combat troops” to Ukraine, the report said Blair was now open to Canadian military personnel playing a role in training soldiers on the ground.
He explained: “I do not want to bring any Canadian Armed Forces personnel near a theater of war that might create the impression that we are performing any component of a combat role.” He also noted that the military already has a small presence in the country to protect Canadian diplomatic staff.
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