| answer text |
<p>The UK remains a steadfast partner to Ukraine as it faces continued acts of aggression
and threats to its sovereignty.</p><p>British personnel have been involved in the
training mission, Operation Orbital since February 2015; in this time they have trained
over 13,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. During a visit in September 2018
the Secretary of State for Defence extended Operation Orbital to March 2020.</p><p>In
November 2018, Russia seized three Ukrainian ships and 24 sailors. In response the
Secretary of State accelerated the deployment of HMS Echo into the Black Sea, clearly
demonstrating the UK's unwavering support both to Ukraine's territorial integrity
and to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. The UK continues to stand
shoulder-to-shoulder alongside the international community in calling for the immediate
release of the sailors.</p><p>This year Operation Orbital has delivered support and
mentoring to the Ukrainian Navy through training teams consisting of personnel from
the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Army. The UK and Ukrainian Armed Forces will
also gain further opportunities to develop capability and share expertise by committing
to bilateral and multilateral exercises later this year. The Chief of the Ukrainian
Armed Forces has stated on several occasions that Operation Orbital has saved lives.</p><p>Finally,
the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine as it implements wide-ranging reforms,
including those set out in their Strategic Defence Bulletin. We view supporting defence
reform, and reform more broadly, as a key priority in our bilateral engagement and
in relation to Ukraine's EU and NATO aspirations. The UK has an assistance programme
focused on Defence Reform and institution-building, as well as transparency in procurement
and anti-corruption. This programme is facilitated by our Special Defence Advisor,
embedded within the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.</p>
|
|
