Ukraine, US discuss priorities for development of National Guard

The National Guard's press service reported on Monday that the needs and priorities for the development of Ukraine's National Guard were covered during the meeting with Chief of Political-Military Affairs Office of the US Embassy in Kyiv Douglas Hoyt and Defense Attache of the US Embassy in Kyiv Carol Northrup. "Our only task is to create a space of security in Europe's east. Ukraine and the US have long been key partners and allies. We highly appreciate the assistance that the United States provides for the development of Ukraine's National Guard," Avakian said. He noted that the meeting was an opportunity to discuss priority concerns of the light infantry brigade of Ukraine's National Guard. He also said that an establishment of an effective, efficient, functional military unit would be very difficult without the US help. Allerov noted that a uniform system, which would be adapted for Ukraine, NATO member states and the US as well, should be set up. It concerns command, cooperation, training and logistics. "We need combat-ready units," Allerov summed up. For his part, Hoyt said that the creation of the light infantry brigade of Ukraine's National Guard was an example of successful cooperation between the U.S. and Ukrainian military. "It is not the first time that the US military conducts joint exercises with representatives of Ukraine's National Guard. We are very pleased with the results and are surprised by the high military training level. We are ready to further cooperate with Ukrainian military and to provide the necessary assistance," Hoyt said.