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Canada gives $120M loan to help bolster Ukraine against Russia threats

Jan 21, 2022 | 9:00 AM

OTTAWA — Canada is giving Ukraine a $120-million loan to help bolster its economy and aid as it faces a hostile buildup of Russian forces on its borders.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the loan today, saying he was answering a request from the Ukrainian government for support. 

Trudeau has yet to say whether Canada will provide weapons to Ukrainian forces, impose further sanctions on Russia or extend the Canadian military training mission of Ukrainian forces beyond its expiry date at the end of March.

Trudeau says he is exploring options for financial and “other” support.

Russia has positioned about 100,000 troops across Ukraine’s borders along with tanks and other heavy artillery, stoking fears across Europe of an invasion, something Russia has denied.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly visited Ukraine this past week, and also met with allies in France and the European Union in stops in Paris and Brussels.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2022.

The Canadian Press