2 years ago
OTTAWA , Ont. — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is extending its NATO military mission in central and eastern Europe for several more years as part of his government’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The troops here are not only defending Latvia or eastern Europe, they're defending all NATO allies, including Canada,” Trudeau told an outdoor press conference at Latvia’s Ādaži Military Base, which provided a backdrop of soldiers and military vehicles. “They're defending our freedom and our security. That's why this work is so important, especially in the face of continued Russian aggression.”
Trudeau was joined at the announcement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand.
Operation REASSURANCE, which was due to expire next year, is Canada’s component of NATO’s mission in the region. As part of the mission, hundreds of Canadian Armed Forces’ personnel have been conducting training and exercises in central and eastern Europe.
Trudeau called the announcement a “multi-year” renewal, but didn’t offer specifics.
A senior Canadian official told POLITICO after the event that the exact duration of the extension will be announced at a later date. The government, the official said, wanted to move quickly because the extension was the top request of Canada from both Latvia and NATO.
Trudeau said 540 Canadian military personnel are deployed in Latvia and that, following a recent announcement, 130 more will be joining them in the coming weeks. Canada has also sent a frigate and maritime patrol aircraft to the region.
Late last month, the Trudeau government said around 3,400 CAF personnel were authorized to deploy to the NATO Response Force should they be required.
“President [Vladimir] Putin’s war on Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe,” Stoltenberg told reporters before later adding: “[Putin] wants less NATO. He's getting more NATO.”
Trudeau added that NATO has never been more united and determined than it is right now. When asked if Canada was willing to go to war, Trudeau said all NATO members will abide by Article 5, which states that an attack against one ally is considered as an attack against all.
Trudeau met earlier Tuesday with Stoltenberg, Kariņš, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Sánchez.
Anand and Canada’s Chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre joined Trudeau on the trip.
Trudeau will meet Wednesday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, as well as German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. On Thursday, Trudeau will be in Warsaw to meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
English (US)