Canada’s Police Mission in Ukraine Marks Decade of Support
Fostering Reform Through Training and Partnership
A decade of dedicated support to Ukraine’s police reform efforts is being recognized this year by the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine (CPMU). Since 2015, Canadian officers have partnered with the National Police of Ukraine.
Enhancing Key Policing Areas
The CPMU’s work focuses on critical areas including community policing, improving investigations into gender-based violence, and bolstering internal accountability mechanisms within Ukraine’s police force. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, all operating under the Canadian Police Arrangement.
Established through an agreement with Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the mission’s Canadian personnel have provided invaluable advisory roles, alongside comprehensive training and mentorship. These efforts aim to further professionalize Ukraine’s civilian police services.
Tangible Support and Exchanges
Recent tangible support from the mission included coordinating the donation of specialized bomb suits from Canadian police agencies to their Ukrainian counterparts earlier this year. Last year, a delegation of Ukrainian officers visited Canada, gaining firsthand experience at training facilities, including the renowned Canadian Police College in Ottawa.
In 2023, Canadian police training programs delivered in Ukraine directly benefited over 2,000 Ukrainian law enforcement officers, focusing on topics such as de-escalation techniques and advanced investigative procedures. This aligns with Canada’s commitment to enhancing security and stability in Ukraine and the wider Euro-Atlantic region.
Resilience Amidst Conflict
Prior to the 2022 Russian invasion, Canada maintained a significant presence with over two dozen officers deployed through the CPMU and the European Union Advisory Mission. While officers were temporarily withdrawn to Poland in February 2022, they have since resumed travel into Ukraine to continue delivering vital training, including crucial courses on first aid and the appropriate use of force.
Canada’s enduring ties with Ukraine date back to 1991, when it was the first Western nation to formally recognize Ukraine’s independence. This historical connection is further strengthened by a significant Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, with approximately 1.3 million Canadians tracing their heritage to Ukraine.
