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Anand returns from Ukraine talks without tank deal

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Jan, 2023 10:41 AM

OTTAWA - Defence Minister Anita Anand is returning to Canada after a meeting in Germany today where allies failed to make much headway on providing battle tanks to Ukraine.

It was great to have you here, Minister! All of us @CanEmbUkraine are proud to represent a country that is contributing strongly to the efforts of brave and determined Ukrainians. With your leadership, I know that will keep up! https://t.co/oA1RyGMuvI
— Larisa Galadza - Лариса Ґаладза (@LGaladza) January 20, 2023

The question was at the top of the agenda as Anand and dozens of counterparts gathered to discuss and co-ordinate plans to provide Ukraine with new military aid.

The Ukrainian government says it needs tanks to protect its troops and launch counter-offensives against Russian forces, particularly in the eastern part of the country.

The Liberal government has not said whether Canada is open to sending some of its German-made Leopard 2 tanks.

But before Canada can even entertain the idea, it needs Berlin's sign-off to allow it to re-export the tanks.

That did not happen during today's meeting, with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius saying the matter remains unresolved.

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