Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Candidate for Ukraine's president and banker Sergiy Tigipko has criticized the National Security and Defense Council's decision to increase the number of Ukrainian peacekeepers as part of the UN-led mission in Afghanistan.

"The increase in Ukraine's military presence in Afghanistan is the last present given by the outgoing head of state to transoceanic patrons," his press service quoted him as saying on Saturday.

The press service said that Ukrainian servicemen would render medical aid, patrol and mine clearance services in Afghanistan. Until now the number of Ukrainian military doctors in the country was only ten, the press service said.

"In any case, the issue concerns [Ukraine's] direct participation in military operations. The situation in this country is extremely difficult. The coalition led by the United States is actually losing the war. NATO member states are sending their soldiers there with great reluctance. Now it's we who are being involved in this scheme launched by [former U.S. President George] Bush in 2001," Tigipko said.