Justin Trudeau is not ruling out a scenario in which Canada would mimic some of its European allies by sending tanks into Ukraine, which is facing a surge in Russian attacks.
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Asked about the issue on the sidelines of a news conference in Saskatchewan, the prime minister indicated his administration would consider “any necessary applications.”
“We sent many different types of armament, including anti-aircraft missile batteries. We’re always here to do more,” he said.
Canada owns mostly Leopard 2 tanks developed by the German gunsmith Knauss-Maffei. It is one of the most widely used assault tanks in NATO forces.
Western countries are so concerned about sending tanks to Ukraine that they argue about what a “tank” is and isn’t. We offer our humble proposal. pic.twitter.com/MNU50lw4O1
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) January 12, 2023
Taken out of context, Prime Minister Trudeau’s comments remain rather general. However, you should know that in recent weeks some European countries have promised to send tanks to Ukraine, including Poland.
The UK is last in the race to promise to send some of its Challenger 2 tanks and is also pressuring Germany to do the same. For its part, France has promised to supply “light” armored vehicles, but does not commit to offering Leclerc, a French-made heavy tank.
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In a stylish video released last Thursday, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry ridiculed Western countries’ hesitation.
“Western countries are so concerned about sending tanks to Ukraine that they argue about what a ‘tank’ is or isn’t. Here’s our suggestion…” reads.
Canada pledged last week to send Ukraine an advanced NASAMS air defense system, co-manufactured by America’s Raytheon and Norway’s Kongsberg, at a cost of $404 million.
A document prepared in December by the US Congressional Research Service shows that the time it took to deliver a NASAMS system was two years.
In an email, Canada’s Ministry of Defense said that “delays have yet to be confirmed and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.”