The Canadian Forces is scaling back its training commitment to Ukraine because of the novel coronavirus.
The military had planned to send a new group of soldiers, numbering 200, to relieve the Canadian troops now in Ukraine. That number will now be cut back to 60 personnel.
“In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation both at home and abroad, and the suspension of non-critical activities on CAF deployed operations, there will be a reduction in the number of personnel departing in early April on Op UNIFIER,” the military explained in a statement. “The need for additional personnel to deploy into theatre will be reassessed as the situation evolves.”
Canada has had military trainers in Ukraine since 2015 to teach that country’s soldiers basic skills as well as some speciality training. The mission was in response to Russia’s annexation of the Crimea and its support of separatist forces in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000.
Ukraine has more than 160 cases of COVID-19. Five people have died from the virus.
Related
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2020
