London reaffirms its support for Ukraine. Gavin Williamson in Odessa
(B2) British Defense Minister Gavin Williamson visited Odessa, the major port base of the Ukrainian Navy, accompanied by Stepan Poltorak, his Ukrainian alter ego. A visit where the Briton insisted on “ reaffirm the UK's determination to work closely with Ukraine in the face of shared threats ».
HMS Echo in Odessa
The minister visited the ship Hms echo of the Royal Navy, which stopped in Odessa, before returning to Romania. " This is further proof of our resolute support and commitment to co-operate with the Ukrainian military, a clear demonstration of the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, which faces continued unlawful acts of aggression. against his sovereignty underlined G. Williamson. Note: the passage of the military vessel through the Black Sea was notified to the regional authorities through the Montreux Convention, according to the British authorities.
A visit to the families of detained soldiers
During his stay, the British minister also met the families of the soldiers detained by Russia, following the capture of several Ukrainian navy ships in the Sea of Azov (read: Serial incidents between Ukraine and Russia in the Kerch Strait. EU calls for de-escalation). The opportunity to declare that " the UK stands side by side with the international community to demand their immediate release ».
Ongoing support to the army and navy
During conversations with his Ukrainian counterpart Stepan Poltorak, the Minister for Defense discussed the progress of Operation Orbital, the United Kingdom's military training mission in Ukraine, launched in 2015. This operation is to be extended by two years, until 2020, as the Minister l announced in September during his visit to Marinka and Kiev. The UK will also provide support and mentorship to the Ukrainian Navy and deploy training teams made up of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army in January and March 2019.
NB: Since the beginning of 2015, British personnel have trained more than 9500 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The training was expanded in 2018. To defensive programs such as mine and improvised explosive device (IED) identification, infantry, medical care and logistics were added mortar fire planning, counter sniper and against armor.
(NGV)