A Ukrainian military vessel is seen during naval drills in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, Ukraine, in this handout picture released January 29, 2022. The Ukrainian Naval Forces/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. - RC219S9CZ062
Kiev [Ukraine], February 1 (ANI/Sputnik): Ukraine conducted a set of military exercises and drills in the southern part of the country to reinforce naval combat readiness for emergency situations, including the Black Sea ports defence, the press service of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (DIMDU) said on Tuesday.
“The planned set of military exercises and drills for Ukrainian naval force’s combat readiness was conducted in coordination with the Air Force in the south of the country. The participants of the drills checked readiness to respond to emergency situations, and trained joint actions with naval, coastal and air force units,” DIMDU’s press service said on Facebook.
Naval intelligence officers also participated in the drills, according to the press service. The drills involved ship and cutter tactical groups, airplanes, helicopters, artillery units and marine corps in training of reconnaissance as well as coastal, port and navigation defence. (ANI/Sputnik)
Zelenskyy signs decree to expand Ukrainian army by 100,000 people over 3 years
Kiev [Ukraine], February 1 (ANI/Sputnik): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree, which provides for the army’s increase by 100,000 people over the next three years, the creation of an additional 20 brigades and an increase in the term of service under the contract.
“This decree provides for an increase in the financial support of all military personnel to a level of at least three minimum wages, the transition of Ukraine to the basics of a professional army, an increase in the term of service of contract soldiers. The development of a concept for the housing provision of military personnel, veterans and their families, a career development system for officers, as well as an increase in the number of armed forces of Ukraine by 100,000 people of the professional army over the next three years, the creation of an additional 20 brigades of the armed forces of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, speaking at the opening of the seventh session of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday.
He added that this decree will help strengthen the army.
“This decree is not because the war is coming soon, this decree is so that soon and further there will be peace, peace in Ukraine. And I am happy to sign this decree in your presence,” Zelenskyy said. (ANI/Sputnik)
Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President in Kyiv amid tensions between Ukraine, Russia
“The UK stands with Ukraine and will hold Russia to account for its destabilising actions in the region,” the Prime Minister added.
The talks between the two sides were held in Kyiv as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to follow up on the U.S written response to Russia‘s security proposals.
The phone call comes as the situation around Ukraine has worsened over the past several months. NATO and Kyiv continue to accuse Russia of building up troops near the Ukrainian border and preparing for an invasion.
Meanwhile, Russia has consistently denied any plans to invade Ukraine, saying it has the right to move troops inside its territory, responding to what it considers threats to its national security. (ANI)
Pentagon says no announcements on any deployment orders with respect to Ukraine
Washington [US], February 1 (ANI/Sputnik): US Department of Defence Press Secretary John Kirby said on Tuesday there are no new announcements to make about any deployment orders or troop movements in Eastern Europe with respect to Ukraine.
“No announcements to speak to today with respect to any other deployment orders or troop movements with respect to the situation in Ukraine,” Kirby said during a press briefing. Kirby later added that no potential host nations in Eastern Europe have requested US troops in response to security concerns over a potential conflict breaking out over the Ukraine situation.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said earlier that the United States is not considering any unilateral actions to support Ukraine, including sending additional American forces to the country amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
In January, 8,500 American troops were placed on high alert in response to the situation around Ukraine. These 8,500 troops on high alert are from brigade combat teams, medical personnel, aviation support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, according to the Pentagon. (ANI/Sputnik)
