Washington DC, 11 April 2022 (TDI): The US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J. Austin III talked to a group of Ukrainian forces returning to their country from training in the US.
He expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian forces for returning to defend their land in the war against Russia through a video link. This group was in the United States for military training and education.
The US has a long history of hosting Ukrainian service members for military training. Furthermore, the Secretary of Defense commended the skill and courage with which Ukrainian armed forces have been fighting against Russia.
He pledged to them continued US support for Ukraine. Also, he ensured that the US will continue providing and coordinating additional security assistance.
According to Pentagon Press Secretary, John F. Kirby, the Ukrainian soldiers had joined a pre-scheduled professional military education program at the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School in Biloxi, Mississippi, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Since the course concluded in March, the Department of Defence provided Ukrainian forces with additional advanced tactical training on the systems the United States has provided to Ukraine.
These include the Switchblade unmanned aerial vehicle. The Ukrainian forces received training on patrol craft operations, communications, and maintenance.
US-Ukraine Military Ties
The United States and Ukraine intensified their military relations in 2014 in the wake of the Russian annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas. Ukraine depends upon the military support from the US and its allies in Europe for defense against Russia.
Furthermore, it supports Ukraine’s bid to join NATO. Since the Russian invasion of the country, the US has provided its full support to Ukraine’s military.
They have provided military equipment, assistance, and support systems to Ukraine. Moreover, the US has imposed harsh economic sanctions on Russia to make the war costly for them.
