Ukraine conducts military exercises in Donbas
The Armed Forces of Ukraine conducted tactical exercises with participation if the warplanes, the Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense stated on their website.
“During the exercises, the assault aviation under cover of several fighter aircraft supported infantry units which stormed the stronghold of the enemy,” the statement of the Ministry reads.
The Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation’s command stated on Facebook page that the unscheduled inspection of aviation units was conducted during the week. The exercises were conducted in order to enhance the coherence between aviation and combined arms units.
The number of units participating in the exercises is not specified.
Ukraine’s Minister of Defense stated on April 23 that Kyiv could launch an offensive in the Donbas following the change of operation’s format. According to the Minister, “in the event of complications,” new forces can be deployed there.
On April 30, the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declared completion of the Anti-Terrorist Operation in the Donbas, and the beginning of the Joint Forces Operation.
“I am sure that it is not just a change of the format,” Poroshenko stated. “These are new opportunities to protect Ukrainian territories, Ukrainian citizens. Ukraine will fight for each piece of our land, for our citizens that remain in the annexed territory.”