Canada supports Ukraine's accession to NATO – ex-Canadian Army commander

Canada advocates granting Ukraine full membership in NATO.

Retired Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, former Commander of the Canadian Army, said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"I believe Canada has been supportive of Ukraine joining, but our influence at the centres of power is not as strong as it once was," Leslie said.

He expressed hope that Ukraine will eventually join NATO.

"I sincerely hope Ukraine does eventually join, but in the short term, I suspect the war is so intense and passions are so inflamed that several nations won't be able to support Ukraine’s aspirations," the general noted.

Leslie added that "eventually, of course, everyone wants Ukraine to be secure, and everyone wants the war to end without giving away Ukrainian territory. But figuring out how to do all that within the current rules is going to be really complicated."

As reported, according to sociological surveys, up to 90% of Ukrainian citizens in every region of the country now support Euro-Atlantic integration, whereas before Russia's invasion, these figures were significantly lower.

Photo: instagram/lt.gen.hon.andrewleslie