Ukraine military mission extended

OTTAWA — The federal government on Monday extended its military training mission in Ukraine, amid warnings Russia could attempt to “destabilize” Canada’s political system.

But while largely welcomed by the Ukrainian government, the extension is being criticized by the Opposition for not going far enough in helping deal with a new outbreak of violence in the country.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canadian military trainers will remain in Ukraine until at least March 2019.

Canada has had about 200 trainers in the eastern European country since the summer of 2015, where they have taught about 3,200 Ukrainian troops the basics of soldiering as well as some advanced skills.

But the mission, which began after Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist forces in Ukraine’s Donbass region, had been set to expire at the end of this month.

Sajjan said the extension was intended to show Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, while sending “a very strong message” to Russia that its actions will not be tolerated.

Conservative foreign affairs critic Peter Kent criticized the “bare-bones” mission extension, saying it fell far short of what was needed, given a new surge in violence.

Russian Embassy spokesman Kirill Kalinin called the extension “counterproductive.”