DThe ad hoc training of Ukrainian armed forces by the United States and its allies after the Russian attack on Ukraine is to be revised. The US Department of Defense is currently working on a plan to give Ukrainian soldiers a new structure in their training and equipment. The New York Times reported on Friday. The plan, which is due to be decided in the coming weeks, reflects Washington’s willingness to provide long-term support to Ukraine in the war against Russia.
A training center is to be set up in Wiesbaden, the headquarters of the American army in Europe and Africa, under the unified command of a high-ranking general. This is to report to General Christopher Cavoli, commander of the American forces in Europe, and execute decisions of the Ukraine contact group. This is a coalition of 40 states formed at the Pentagon’s initiative after the war of aggression began. Cavoli submitted a plan to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
According to this, 300 people are to be entrusted with the task in Wiesbaden, where part of the training on western weapon systems has already taken place. So far, around 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained to operate artillery systems and drones. Washington has so far pledged $16 billion in military aid to Ukraine – partly in the form of direct arms deliveries from stockpiles, partly in the form of contractual commitments over the next three years.
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that it would provide an additional $1.1 billion in long-term military aid to Kyiv. This includes 18 Himars, i.e. multiple rocket launchers. Unlike the 16 Himars, which were delivered to the Ukraine from their own stocks in the summer, the other systems are to be ordered from the manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The Pentagon said it would take “a few years” to deliver the new artillery systems.
