ANKARA 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday pledged to send another shipment of “highly-specialized” military equipment to Ukraine.

Following his phone talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trudeau said on Twitter: "I let him know that Canada will send Ukraine another shipment of highly-specialized military equipment. We discussed sanctions against Russia and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, too."

"Canadians have been inspired by the bravery and resiliency of Ukrainians and the leadership the President has shown, and I know they are eager to hear directly from him," he added.

Zelenskyy, for his part, wrote on Twitter: "Talked to my friend Justin Trudeau about Ukraine-Canada defense cooperation and how to increase sanctions pressure on Russia. Agreed on further diplomatic steps. Canada stands with Ukraine. We feel it every day.”

In late February, Canada said it would send new shipments of military supplies, including anti-tank weapons, ammunition, and cash aid to Ukraine.

“The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will support the latest donation of aid ... by providing two C-130J tactical airlift aircraft and a team of 40-50 personnel to contribute to NATO efforts in Europe for a period of at least two weeks, with continued requirement being reassessed,” a government statement said on Feb. 28.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 474 civilians have been killed and 861 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to the UN, which noted that conditions on the ground make it difficult to verify the true number.

Some 2 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, said the UN refugee agency.