April 17, 2024. OTTAWA, ON. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is grateful to all Canadians for their staunch and unequivocal support of Ukraine’s existential battle against Russia’s genocidal war of aggression.
Budget 2024 provides:
- $2.4 billion in loans to Ukraine in 2024;
- $1.6 billion over 5 years for lethal and non-lethal military aid ($320 million per year);
- $216 million over 5 years to the EBRD for reconstruction (starting in 2025-26)
“Canada is a leader in providing economic support to Ukraine. The $2.4 billion in loans in Budget 2024 are most welcome and will assist with economic stabilization of the country,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “However, Ukraine desperately needs air defence systems and rockets to defend its skies to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s Armed Forces fighting on the front lines need artillery and ammunition to defend themselves and freedom in Europe from Russia’s genocidal assault. We call on the Government of Canada to meet the urgency of the moment and to significantly increase military assistance to Ukraine beyond the $320 million committed in Budget 2024.”
Planned military aid to Ukraine for this year – approximately $320 million – represents a decrease in military aid as compared to 2023 and 2022 and falls short of the military aid committed by other allies of Ukraine – for example, the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, the Netherlands – who have committed far more military assistance in both real numbers and relative to GDP.
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy tracks international assistance to Ukraine. Their next update is scheduled for April 25, 2024. More information is available here
The UCC also urges the Government of Canada to implement mechanisms that allow the Government to seize all frozen Russian sovereign, state, and central bank assets and provide these assets to Ukraine.
For the UCC Background on Budget 2024, please see here: Background 2024 Budget
