Canada on Sunday, military troops deployed in western Ukraine and announced the temporary repatriation of non-essential workers from its embassy in Kiev, amid tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border.

“Our Canadian Forces have moved west of the Dnieper River and we will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure their security,” Canada’s defense minister said Sunday. Anita Anandupon arrival on Ukrainian territory.

The minister took stock of the tense situation between Ukraine Yes Russia at a press conference in Kiev, after a meeting with the leaders of Canada’s military Operation Unifier, which provides support to Ukraine’s security forces.

“The information we are using is consistent with that of our NATO allies, about the fact – well known – that there is Russian aggression on the Ukrainian border in Belarus,” Anand said, once again making it clear to Russia that it is too will face “severe sanctions”. and consequences” if there is no de-escalation of tensions.

Canada currently has 900 soldiers “at sea, on land and in the air” who carry out the mission of the OTAN in this context of political instability in Eastern Europe.

Russia it has deployed more than 100,000 troops and heavy weapons near the border with Ukraine, according to Western countries fearing invasion.

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

“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 if needed,” the ministry said in a statement.

The embassy in Kiev will remain open, he added.

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

“Together, they will enhance our diplomatic capacity and enable us to continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in support of Ukraine,” he said.

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