Ukrainian advances in Kursk: Canadian aid and international support
Ukraine may utilise Canadian tanks and rockets in its ongoing special military operation on Russian soil, specifically in the Kursk region.
Additionally, Canadian authorities have not imposed geographical restrictions on the use of military equipment they have donated and continue to donate to Ukraine, according to Andrée-Anne Poulin, spokesperson for the Canadian Department of Defense, as reported by [Politico](https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-fire-weapons-attack-inside-russia-canada.
"Ukrainians are best positioned to defend their homeland, and we are committed to supporting their capability in doing so. Canada firmly supports Ukraine's right to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and unjustified war, which is why we have committed over 4 billion dollars in military assistance to Ukraine," Poulin added.
Ukrainian forces have made slow advances in the Kursk region of Russia, where they now control over 1,000 square kilometres of territory, according to Kiev.
The surprise attack, which occurred a week and a half ago, represents a setback for the Kremlin, as some Russian units have been redeployed from the front line in Ukraine to bolster defences at home, according to the Ukrainian army.
Poulin stated that Canada will continue collaborating with the Ukrainian armed forces to supply the equipment they need. Since Russia’s large-scale invasion, Canada has committed 4.5 billion dollars in military assistance to Ukraine and pledged to maintain this aid until 2029.
To date, Canada has provided air defence equipment valued at 33 million dollars, including AMRAAM missiles, AIM-9 and AIM-7 missiles, and 40,000 rounds of ammunition delivered in 2023.
Canada has also contributed 53 million dollars to a Czech initiative to purchase several thousand cartridges and artillery ammunition for Ukraine. Additionally, Canada has donated M-777 howitzers, eight Leopard tanks, 200 more commercial Senator armoured vehicles, and 4,200 M72A5-C1 rocket launchers.
Germany had previously stated that it sees no issue with Ukraine using its weapons on Russian soil.
"Our military aid to Ukraine is the best investment in our security. It reduces the potential Russian threat daily and helps prevent Ukrainian civilians from becoming refugees," said Marcus Faber, head of the German Bundestag’s defence committee.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the operation in Kursk aims to defend Ukrainian border regions from ongoing cross-border bombardments by Russia, renew the prisoner exchange fund, and bring the war to Russian soil.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
