March 23, 2016 (Sputnik News) Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan
Poltorak and UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Penny Mordaunt signed a
new defense agreement. According to Mordaunt, the UK agreed to double its
assistance to the Ukrainian defense ministry. In the past year, about 2,000
members of the Ukrainian army has been trained by the UK military instructors. Ukraine also received over $1.4 million
worth of equipment from the UK. The
agreement provides for an increase in the number of joint training missions,
the British military experts, along with enhanced sharing of intelligence data
and expertise. Britain will also supply Ukraine's army with new military
equipment to help Kiev's forces in its conflict with separatist groups in the
country's east. The equipment, which consists of $1.3 million (£850,000) in non-lethal
military aid, comes as on the back of a request from Kiev officials. The
package includes first aid kits, night vision goggles, laptops, helmets and GPS
units. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the latest announcement was in reaction
to what he perceived as "Russia's aggression" in the Ukrainian
conflict.
"The UK is
committed to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial
integrity in the face of Russia's aggression." Britain, along with the US and
EU, has accused Russia of interfering with the Ukrainian conflict, and
providing military assistance to separatist groups in the country's east.
However Moscow has continually denied these claims. The latest delivery of non-lethal
military equipment follows last week's announcement that the UK will send 75
military advisors and trainers to Ukraine to provide assistance to local
forces. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon confirmed the forces would not be
engaging in military combat but would be providing military assistance and
logistical advice to Kiev government forces. "We are providing non-lethal
assistance that has been requested by the Ukrainian Government to enhance the
capability of their armed forces and to attempt to reduce the number of fatalities
and casualties that they have suffered," said Fallon.
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