By Canadian Press

Hillier calls on Ottawa to provide aid to Ukraine, laments waning interest in war

Jun 24, 2022 | 7:03 AM

OTTAWA — Retired general Rick Hillier is lamenting what he sees as waning Canadian interest in the war in Ukraine as public and political attention turns increasingly toward the rising rate of inflation and other issues closer to home.

But the former Canadian defence chief who served for years as the face of this country’s military mission in Afghanistan warns that even more economic hardship is in store if Russia isn’t stopped.

Hillier made the comments in an interview with The Canadian Press as he called for more support to Ukraine, including the provision of hundreds of millions of dollars in promised Canadian military aid.

The Liberal government says more than $150 million of the $500 million set aside in April’s federal budget has since been provided, including millions in artillery shells, drones and satellite imagery.

But Hillier, who is working with the Ukrainian World Congress and retired military commanders in several other countries to rally support for Ukraine, says there needs to be a greater sense of urgency to stop Russia from winning.

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The Russian military extended its grip on territory in eastern Ukraine on Thursday even as the Ukrainian military announced the arrival of powerful U.S. multiple-launch rocket systems it hopes will offer a battlefield advantage.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2022.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press