Ukrainian Parliament adopts a bill allowing participation of foreign troops in military exercises in 2018
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has approved the admission of foreign armed forces into Ukraine in 2018 to participate in six multinational exercises.
235 MPs supported bill No 7428, whereas the minimum required number of support votes is 226.
According to plans, up to 3,000 military personnel of the United States and NATO member states with weapons, military equipment, and up to six warplanes and helicopters are expected to participate in the multinational exercises to prepare the armed forces units throughout 2018.
Up to 2,000 servicemen from the United States and NATO allies' forces as well as troops from the Partnership for Peace participant states along with weapons and military equipment, and up to 20 warplanes and helicopters will be involved in the the Ukrainian-U.S. Rapid Trident 2018 drills for 16 days in June-November 2018. For 25 days in June-October up to 2,200 military, 20 battle ships, five submarines, and 20 warplanes and helicopters will participate in the Sea Breeze 2018 exercise.
For 14 days in May-November 2018 up to 350 military from the United States and NATO member states with weapons and military equipment, and warplanes are expected to participate in the Clear Sky 2018 exercises. The Light Avalanche 2018 exercise will be held, for 10 days in August-October which will bring together 300 military personnel with weapons and equipment from Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. And for 20 days in April-November, the Ukrainian-Romanian Riverian 2018 drills will take place, involving up to 100 Romanian military along with weapons and equipment, batlle ships, warplanes, and helicopters.
The costs for carrying out multinational exercises in 2018 will amount to UAH 36M (USD 1.253 million USD).