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Polish-Lithuanian-Ukrainian brigade to achieve operating capability in 2017

Xinhua, January 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

The three-nation brigade, consisting of Polish, Lithuanian and Ukrainian forces is to achieve operating capability next year, said Polish defense minister Antoni Macierewicz on Monday.

Macierewicz took part in the ceremony held in the Polish city of Lublin celebrating the launch of the brigade. His counterparts from Lithuania, Juozas Olekas, and from Ukraine, Stepan Poltorak, were also present at the event.

After receiving the report on the brigade's initial operating capability, Macierewicz said: "Reports we obtained indicate a good work, good synchronization of all the three battalions and a huge chance, or even certainty that the brigade will achieve full capability next year." He also added that he saw the cooperation within the unit as "one of the basic forms of our military cooperation on the eastern flank of NATO."

Macierewicz reminded that the brigade would be used, among others, during peacekeeping missions, but was also "a clear signal for anyone who'd like to violate peace in Europe."

General Poltorak underlined that the participation of Ukraine would bring a lot of benefits, including the increase in quality. He reminded that the military training of Ukrainian soldiers carried out by the NATO instructors so far had made them better prepared.

Olekas emphasized that the inauguration of the brigade is another step taken on the road of "strengthening defense cooperation" between the three countries.

The three-nation brigade LITPOLUKRBRIG functioning is based on the international agreement signed in September 2014 and is headquartered in Lublin. According to the plan, the brigade is to consist of around 4,000 soldiers. The main tasks of the unit are to participate in peacekeeping missions, strengthen regional cooperation, and helping Ukraine modernize its armed forces. The brigade is supposed to be a base for setting up another EU battle group. Endit