Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is promising to more than double the size of Canada’s contribution to a NATO mission in Latvia, committing $2.6-billion in funding over three years and up to 2200 Canadian troops, from the current number of 800 Canadian soldiers.

It’s all part of NATO’s efforts to increase its presence near Russia in response to the ongoing war on Ukraine.

“We know that our partners and allies across Europe will be increasing their presence as well,” Trudeau told reporters in Riga, Latvia.

Trudeau told reporters in Latvia Monday, NATO’s approach, is the way forward in modern defence.

“We will continue to show our solidarity with Ukraine and demonstrate by continuing being there including with multi year commitments that demonstrate that NATO countries and countries around the world continue to stand against Russia’s continued illegal invasion and its war crimes,” Trudeau explained.

As the NATO Leaders Summit begins Tuesday, Canada is likely to play a larger than usual role in two critical discussions – the alliance’s expanding membership and its efforts to refocus on collective defence.