QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Support for Ukraine
June 5, 2025
My question is for Senator Gold.
A few days ago, Ukraine undertook what amounts to a modern-day Trojan Horse attack against legitimate Russian military targets. No civilians were harmed. Ukrainian drones launched from container trucks deployed deep into Russia and destroyed many strategic aircraft parked at Russian air bases, some of which were over 5,000 kilometres away, including in Siberia.
The aircraft that were destroyed or damaged represent a significant portion of the Russian air force’s strategic strike fleet, including types that are routinely used to probe North America, including Canada’s Arctic. Those aircraft were a threat not just to Ukraine but also to Canada and NATO. Much of this success was due to the amazing new and inexpensive drone technology created by Ukraine.
My question is this: What is Canada doing to help Ukraine further develop its drone technology and get it to the battlefield in record time? And how are Canadian drone manufacturers being encouraged by the government to collaborate with Ukrainian partners so that Canada can benefit from these technological advances?
Thank you for your question and, once again, for underlining the heroic actions of Ukraine in defence of its territory and sovereignty.
Canada has been, from the start, an important partner to Ukraine and collaborates in many areas. I’m not in a position to share information about what measures are being discussed to deal with military matters for several reasons that this chamber will appreciate. I’d like to assure you that Canada is doing what it can in playing its part with its allies to support Ukraine in their just defence in the unjust war perpetrated by Russia.
Thank you, Senator Gold. I hope we take advantage of their creativity and ingenuity to help us.
Senator Gold, the destruction of these Russian aircraft significantly decreased Russia’s strategic strike capability — a threat to Canada. However, more is needed. I, along with Senator Kutcher and others, was recently briefed on the Sky Shield initiative in Ukraine. Sky Shield could help provide a much-needed umbrella of protection over critical infrastructure in Ukraine, such as nuclear reactors, as well as save lives of countless innocent people.
Again, Canada is in discussions with Ukraine and its allies to do its part to enhance the security of the territory of Ukraine and will continue to do so.
