TOPSHOT - A Ukrainian serviceman of the 47th Mechanized Brigade prepares for combat a Bradley fighting vehicle, not far away from Avdiivka, Donetsk region on February 11, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
American legislative proposals to provide desperately needed aid to Ukraine have not yet passed. Canada's defence minister says other NATO countries must step up to help.A Ukrainian soldier is shown in the Donetsk region of Ukraine on Feb. 11. Substantial American aid for Ukraine is caught in a legislative quagmire. Defence Minister Bill Blair says NATO countries like Canada must ramp up their aid to Ukraine as support from the United States languishes in a legislative quagmire.
Democrats in the U.S. Congress have sought to pass legislation that would provide billions in aid to Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel, as well as implement new measures on immigration. But Republicans have blocked the legislation, arguing it does not contain strict enough provisions around the U.S. border.Defence Minister Bill Blair discusses Canada's increased military presence in Latvia as well as Ottawa's response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
"They have been generous supporters and continue to be — there is obviously political activity taking place in the U.S. right now," he said.Canada chips in another $60M for Ukrainian F-16 training as U.S. aid remains gridlocked Last year, Canada pledged to provide a sophisticated air defence system worth over $400 million to Ukraine, but there is little clarity on when that system will actually be deployed to the country. Blair said the situation was "a little frustrating."Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country can still repel Russia's forces, but warns a cut in the flow of military aid could allow Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces to take advantage on the battlefield.
Spruds said it was important for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to be united in its approach.