Ukrinform
September 5, 2014
Ukraine to get assistance from NATO even if truce is achieved – NSDC
KYIV: NATO member states will supply armament to Ukraine even if a truce is achieved after today’s talks in Minsk.
National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) information and analytical center spokesman Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing on Friday, a Ukrinform correspondent reported.
“The establishment of a truce that would help assess what is happening in eastern Ukraine in no way stops possible arms supplies to Ukraine,” he said.
He said that over the last 20 years, Ukraine has virtually received no advanced armaments, so even in a truce it needs the upgrading of the Armed Forces and other military formations.
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Interfax-Ukraine
September 6, 2014
US to issue $60 mln for Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, Border Guard Service, National Guard – White House
The United States has announced the issue of $60 million in support for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the State Border Guard Service, and the National Guard.
“As of mid-August, we have announced $60 million in support for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the State Border Guard Service, and the National Guard,” reads a posting on the Web site of the White House dated September 5.
Deliveries so far have included meals ready-to-eat, body armor, radios, vehicles, thermal vision devices, medical supplies, explosive ordinance disposal robots, uniforms, and individual tactical gear, reads the report.
Shipments are planned through late 2014 and will include night vision devices, additional communications equipment, and more helmets, according to the document.
Additionally, two significant events with the Ukrainian military are planned for September 2014: SEA BREEZE and RAPID TRIDENT. The first is an annual multilateral naval exercise, which will occur in international waters. The second exercise is focused on ground forces and involves 15 countries at a training center in Western Ukraine.
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Interfax-Ukraine
September 6, 2014
US will help Ukraine develop defense strategy, strengthen National Guard – White House
The United States is preparing measures to assist Ukraine in the development of a new defense strategy and the strengthening of the National Guard, reads a statement posted on the Web site of the White House on Friday.
“We also have launched initiatives to assist Ukraine in reforming its defense institutions. This support consists of multi-level engagements to provide advice to the Defense Ministry leadership in areas such as defense institution building, cyber defense, logistics, and standardization. Additionally, we are working to help Ukraine develop a new defense strategy and further develop its National Guard,” reads the posting.
“We are also developing plans to support other states on Russia’s periphery, particularly Moldova and Georgia. In addition to high-level engagements, we plan to intensify security assistance over the longer term,” according to the document.
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Interfax-Ukraine
September 6, 2014
Italy could supply 90 Iveco armored vehicles to Ukraine
Italian Premier Matteo Renzi has said his country is ready to supply 90 Iveco armored vehicles to Ukraine, reads a posting on the Web site of the La Stampa newspaper.
According to the posting, he said this at the NATO summit in Wales on September 4.
“NATO can facilitate the achievement of a political solution [sic]. This should be done through the provision of specific support for Kyiv,” the Italian prime minister said.
As reported, Renzi expressed support for new sanctions against Russia.
“We are ready to expand the list of restrictive measures in the field of finance, defense, a number of technologies and dual-use goods,” he said before the summit.
The prime minister urged Russia “in deed and not in name” to demonstrate readiness for the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
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