The Pentagon has announced roughly 200 U.S. servicemembers will be sent to train in Ukraine as part of an annual peacekeeping exercise called Rapid Trident, according to The Associated Press. The exercise, which will take place in western Ukraine, will run from Sept. 15 to Sept. 26.
Support far away from the conflict
According to The Hill, this will be the first time U.S. military members have traveled to Ukraine since government officials in Kiev began fighting against pro-Russian separatists in the country. American personnel will be stationed hundreds of miles away from the border of Ukraine and Russia.
The exercise will not include live fire weaponry. Instead, the AP reported that efforts would include practicing convoy operations, patrolling and learning tactics to locate and defuse improvised explosive devices. Soldiers involved in the exercises will be taken from Italy's 173rd Airborne Brigade. Although the troops will not support Ukrainian soldiers in combat, the Pentagon has announced that more non-lethal aid has been delivered to Ukrainian military personnel in the eastern part of the country. The delivered aid included helmets, explosive disposal robots, radios, body armor, first-aid kits and more.
Uniting against Russia
This is the latest step being taken to bolster support in NATO countries after Russia has reportedly entered Ukrainian territory. President Barack Obama denounced Russia's intervention in the region during a speech in Estonia, according to The Hill. Now, U.S. officials and NATO forces are beginning to plan additional military exercises in parts of eastern Europe. Further sanctions against Russia are also being considered, and Obama may propose the tougher measures during a NATO summit in the near future.
Obama has also revealed plans to strengthen ties between NATO and Ukraine, according to a White House press release. Increased engagement between the organization and Ukrainian civilians and military personnel is intended to reinforce the bonds between the two. Additionally, Obama and other allied leaders will meet with President Poroshenko at the Wales Summit to plan further measures to increase the ties between NATO and Ukraine.
Currently, the U.S. is focusing on constant rotations of air, sea and land personnel through Europe to show support to Allies nervous about the events in eastern Ukraine. Obama has also requested approval from Congress of a European Reassurance Initiative of $1 billion, which would allow for an increased military presence in the region and build greater partnerships with NATO allies.