Canada sends warship to Eastern Europe ops

A Canadian warship was ordered Wednesday to join NATO efforts to bolster security in Eastern Europe amid rising tensions with Russia over Ukraine.

The announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper comes after Ottawa already sent this week six fighter jets to Romania to take part in increased NATO patrols over Eastern Europe.

“Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine and provocative military activity remains a serious concern to the international community,” Harper said.

The patrol frigate HMCS Regina is currently deployed in the Arabian Sea.

It is being committed to the NATO Standing Maritime Forces as part of NATO’s “reassurance package” to Alliance members which border Russia, Harper said.

NATO announced this month that it would step up its defenses in Eastern Europe due to the growing crisis.