Starting January 10 and throughout the rest of the month, the first group of approximately 200 Canadian Army soldiers from the Fifth Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, based in Valcartier, Quebec, will be deploying to Ukraine for Operation UNIFIER.

"They will be relieving their counterparts from 2 CMBG, based in Petawawa, Ontario, who will be returning home throughout January, having completed military training activities in support of Canada's response to requests for assistance from the Government of Ukraine," says a report published on the Canadian government's website.

"With the return of the troops based in Petawawa, I am pleased to see additional soldiers deploying from Valcartier to offer continued support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces under Operation UNIFIER. This important training mission demonstrates that Canada, together with our other allies, stands proudly in support of our Ukrainian friends," said Canadian Minister of National Defense Harjit S. Sajjan.

According to the report, the Second Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group deployed as part of Operation UNIFIER in August 2015.

Operation UNIFIER is Canada's military training mission to Ukraine. "This is not a combat mission, but rather a capacity building mission taking place jointly with the US military and other partners. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel are located in western Ukraine, approximately 1300km from areas where Russian-backed insurgents are active," the report said.

According to the Canadian Defense Ministry, "roughly 200 Canadian trainers are teaching basic soldier skills, such as how to treat wounded comrades and defeat threats such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Flight safety training, English language training and logistics system modernization are also part of this mission."

"Canada's support to Ukraine includes investments in economic development, reinforcing democratic institutions, and humanitarian aid," the Canadian Defense Ministry said.