News release
10th Anniversary of the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine
July 18, 2025
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Ottawa, Ontario
From: RCMP National Headquarters
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Content
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine (CPMU). As part of this mission, the RCMP deploys officers to Ukraine as the country continues to build its national police force. Over the past decade, Canadian police services have supported the National Police of Ukraine on gender-based violence response and investigations, implementing community policing models, and improving internal accountability and oversight mechanisms.
The CPMU is an arrangement between the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police of Ukraine, and the Canadian Police Arrangement (CPA), under the stewardship of the RCMP. The mission is mandated to provide strategic advice and support towards the development of Ukrainian police reform. Canadian police provide mentorship, training, and technical expertise.
Earlier this year, the CPMU supported the donation of bomb suits from Canadian police agencies to the National Police of Ukraine. And late last year, the RCMP hosted a delegation visit of Ukrainian officers to various locations around the National Capital Region, including the Canadian Police College.
The RCMP will continue to deploy Canadian police personnel to Ukraine through the CPA, a partnership between the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, and Global Affairs Canada.
Strengthening security and stability in Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic region will remain a top priority for Canada.
Background
On December 2, 1991, Canada became the first Western country to recognize Ukraine's independence. Canada and Ukraine have had a close relationship since. Canada's bilateral relationship is strengthened by warm people-to-people ties, rooted in the Ukrainian-Canadian community of 1.3 million people.
Canadian police have deployed bilaterally to Ukraine since July 2015, beginning with short-term train-the-trainer roles. Based on the success of these first trainer deployments, in 2016 Canada increased its engagement in the bilateral mission.
Prior to the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Canada had over 26 officers in Ukraine through the CPMU and the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine. All Canadian police officers were evacuated to Poland in February 2022.
The current contingent does frequent trips back into Ukraine to provide training on tactical first aid and a Police Safety Instructor Course training focused on use of force.
Quotes
Canada is proud to contribute highly skilled police officers to train and mentor their counterparts in Ukraine, with the ultimate goal of improving safety and security for local populations. Having professional, well-trained and well-equipped police services is key to fostering stability, making people and communities feel more secure, and enhancing the rule of law in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Commissioner Mike Duheme