More than a week ago CHCH News spoke to an Ancaster man who was on a quest to search for a friend’s sister in Ukraine, we’re learning that he did not locate her but has left Europe with many contacts who will actively be on the lookout. Meanwhile, the military presence has ramped up in Poland as the NATO alliance ended its emergency summit.

22-year Wyatt Raitt of Ancaster is leaving Europe torn, after more than two weeks of searching for 7-year old Arila, the younger sister of his university friend Alek who is fighting in the war. “I don’t think I’m going to hear from my friend again, to me it breaks my heart.”

Raitt says he hasn’t heard from Alek since March 2nd but promised to care for his sister upon locating her. Against all odds and unaware of what she looks like, Raitt navigated along the Polish border and into western Ukraine, building contacts and hoping she shows up or get a lead on her whereabouts.

He’s making his way back to Canada exhausted but leaves behind a footprint after spending some of his time handing out food to thousands of refugees and bonding with troops who increased by the day.

While the fighting continues, Ukraine’s leader is demanding more jets and tanks from allies. Following the G7 meet in Brussels, last Thursday allies agreed to present new plans on defense spending, many targeting two percent of GDP.

Christain Leuprecht with the Royal Military College of Canada believes the Trudeau administration who has yet to pledge new defense money on par with NATO was sent a message about meeting commitments from allies. “Europe and U.S. have signaled they can go at it alone, but if they do, that’s a high-risk proposition for Canada because it means we lose severe influence.”