The Canadian government on Wednesday authorized the export of automatic weapons to Ukraine, asserting its "firm" support for the sovereignty and security of the country, which is facing confrontations with pro-Russian separatists
Canadian Foreign Minister Christia Freeland, whose mother is of Ukrainian origin, said Canada had added Ukraine to its "list of states" covered in arms exports
The inclusion of Ukraine on the list allows Canadian companies and individuals to request "a permit to export some firearms, weapons and other prohibited materials to Ukraine," the government said in a statement
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said it would consider each request separately to ensure that it is in conformity with Canada's international obligations and priorities in foreign policy and defense
"Adding Ukraine to this list reflects the close ties between our two countries," Freeland said, stressing that Canada and the Canadians will continue to support the Ukrainian people and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine
Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukraine's independence in 1991, and Canada has more than 1.3 million Canadians of Ukrainian origin, who have been in successive waves for 123 years
