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It is the first time that Canada has led such a mission. Its job will be to monitor the deteriorating security situation across Ukraine until May 11.

Such observer duty does not come without hazards in the current situation. Seven members of another OSCE team were kidnapped and have been held hostage since last week by pro-Russian militias in the town of Slovyansk. Those holding that German-led team of observers have demanded the release of some of their supporters who have been jailed by the Ukrainian government and the dismantling of barricades in the centre of Kyiv that played a central role in the coup that toppled the pro-Russian former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych.

“This mission constitutes a strong show of support to Ukraine and is a concrete demonstration of Canada’s commitment to the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Nicholson said in a statement.

Canada’s participation “as lead inspectors constitute a concrete contribution to mitigating the crisis using existing arms control mechanisms,” said Maj.-Gen. Michael Hood, who is director of the strategic joint staff in Ottawa. “They possess the necessary training and experience to undertake missions of this nature.”

Where the Canadian-led team will conduct inspections has not yet been decided. They have been invited in by Ukraine because of “concerns of unusual military activity in the region,” a Department of National Defence statement said. The OSCE is made up of 57 participating states, including all NATO allies. “This mission constitutes a strong show of support to Ukraine and is a concrete demonstration of Canada’s commitment to the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”