You're reading: US to provide aid to Ukrainian Armed Forces to ensure NATO interoperability

United States will assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine in becoming interoperable with NATO forces by 2020, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Elissa Slotkin said.

“During my visit this week, we have talked about U.S. commitment to Ukraine in two ways: 1) support during the current crisis; and 2) looking in the longer term at assisting Ukraine in becoming interoperable with NATO forces,” she said at a briefing in Kyiv following a meeting with Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Yuriy Husyev.

Sloktin said that in response to the current crisis Ukraine has received more than $265 million in equipment and training to help Ukraine better monitor and secure its border, operate more safely and effectively, and maintain its territorial integrity.

She reminded those present at the briefing about U.S. equipment deliveries which have included Humvees, lightweight counter mortar radar systems, night vision devices, secure radios, body armor, and medical supplies.

“And, later this month, Ukraine will receive two counter-artillery radars to help Ukraine defend itself against rocket and artillery attacks,” Slotkin said.

In turn, Husyev said that the next step will be the elaboration of a joint road map for five-year cooperation.

He added that Ukraine highly praises the support of the security sector by the U.S. side, in particular, “the allocation of $300 million by the United States for the next year to implement reforms at the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”