The purpose of military training conducted by the US - strengthening the defense of Ukraine

There is no military solution to the Russian-initiated crisis in Ukraine, but Ukraine does have the right to defend itself, says Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez, informs UaPost.

That is why in late April the U.S. military will move forward with plans to train members of Ukraine’s National Guard.

About 290 U.S. service members, including paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy, will train six Ukraine National Guard companies. The training will take place in western Ukraine near the Polish border. Among the training’s objectives will be improving the soldiers’ ability to conduct route security, protect critical infrastructure and operate in an electronic-warfare environment.

The training is part of a strategy to build the Ukrainian military’s capabilities, as well as to help increase the professionalism of its forces. The United States regularly conducts joint exercises and training with partners and allies throughout Europe and around the world.

U.S. security assistance to date

In March, President Obama approved the allocation of $75 million in Department of Defense European Reassurance Initiative funds to provide additional nonlethal equipment to Ukraine. This includes the transfer to Ukraine of 30 armored and up to 200 unarmored Humvees along with other equipment such as small drones, radios and counter-mortar radars. An initial supply of 10 armored vehicles arrived in Ukraine on March 25.

International military support

Other countries also have plans for training and assistance:

• Military personnel from the United Kingdom will spend two months in Ukraine conducting medical and tactical training. The British government will also provide first aid kits, sleeping bags and night-vision goggles as part of its assistance.

• The Polish Army plans to provide training for about 50 Ukrainian military instructors. The training will take place in Poland and is scheduled for June, September and October of this year.