Canada deployed its military troops in the west on Sunday Ukraine and announced the temporary repatriation of non-essential employees from its embassy in Kyiv, due to tensions on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

“Our Canadian Armed Forces have moved west of the Dnieper River and we will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety,” the Canadian Defense Minister said on Sunday. Anita Anandupon arrival in Ukrainian territory.

The minister took stock of the tense situation between Ukraine Yes Russia during a press conference in Kyiv, after meeting the leaders of the Canadian military operation Unifier, which provides support to the Ukrainian security forces.

“The intelligence we use is consistent with that of our NATO allies, on the fact – widely known – that there is Russian aggression on the Ukrainian border in Belarus,” Anand said, warning once again Russia that it will face “severe sanctions”. and consequences” if there is no de-escalation of tensions.

Canada currently has 900 personnel “at sea, on land and in the air” supporting the mission of the NATO in this context of political instability in Eastern Europe.

Russia it has deployed more than 100,000 soldiers and heavy weapons near its border with Ukraine, according to Western countries, which fear an invasion.

Also on Sunday, Ottawa announced the repatriation of non-essential diplomats working at its embassy in Ukraine, days after withdrawing their relatives.

“While we continue to monitor the situation closely, our top priority remains the safety of Canadians. Our officials stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadian citizens as needed,” the department said in a statement.

The embassy in Kyiv remains open, he added.

Canada said last week it would bolster its mission staff with experts in security, conflict management, democratic reform and consular services.

“Together, they will increase our diplomatic capacity and allow us to continue to assess and respond to developments in support of Ukraine,” he said.

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