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Canada's National Defense Minister Harjit S. Sajjan Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on March 18 announced that the Government of Canada is extending Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces military training mission in Ukraine, until the end of March 2022.

While Ukraine’s defense and security forces "continue to make considerable progress", ongoing insecurity in the region underscores the importance and relevance of Canada’s military mission, according to the statement by Canada's ministry of defense.

Through Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to provide military training and capacity building assistance to Ukraine’s defense and security forces.

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"The training provided by the Canadian Armed Forces directly helps Ukraine’s defence and security forces to uphold domestic security and territorial integrity, contributing to regional and international stability," the statement reads, adding that Operation UNIFIER supports Ukraine’s broader reform agenda and contributes to current Canadian efforts that invest in democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms Canada's steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our commitment to global security. Canada’s commitment to Ukraine is unequivocal and unwavering. With the renewal of Operation UNIFIER, the women and men of our Canadian Armed Forces are playing a key role in helping build, develop and modernize the capabilities of Ukraine’s defence and security forces,” said Harjit S. Sajjan.

Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said: “The people of Ukraine know they can count on Canada. Operation UNIFIER is an essential part of our multifaceted support to Ukraine. We are steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as it works toward a stable, democratic and prosperous future. That is why Canada is also proud to host the third annual Ukraine Reform Conference in July this year.”