Ukraine's defense minister says UAH 250 mln allocated for army training centers

UAH 250 million has been allocated for the development of the training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, the Shyroky Lan training range and the training center of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has said.

"During our recent meeting, we've reached understanding on improvements to the training base of the International Peacekeeping and Security Center. UAH 50 million has already been allocated for the creation of infrastructure on the basis of the training center in Yavoriv. The funds will be used to build military barracks," he said while meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt and Lieutenant General Frederick Ben Hodges, who is in command of United States Army Europe, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's press service said on Monday.

Another UAH 150 million was allocated for the construction of infrastructure to accommodate 5,000 men at the Shyroky Lan training range and UAH 50 million for the Special Operations Forces' training center.

Poltorak also wrote on Facebook that during the meeting the sides had discussed issues related to the operation of the multinational united group for the training of Ukrainian servicemen.

"Lieutenant General Frederick Ben Hodges has announced that preparations are now at their final stage. A large number of servicemen have already arrived in Yavoriv, and he also noted that the "right" personnel had been selected – specialists who need to improve skills most have arrived," Poltorak wrote.

Hodges assured the Ukrainian side that the United States would continue doing its best to support the Ukrainian army both morally and with equipment.