US Explains Training of Kiev Forces as Commitment to Black Sea Security

A US Army Europe spokeswoman stated that the latest decision by the US Department of Defense to provide training to the Ukrainian National Guard met US and partner nation interests by demonstrating America's commitment to security in the Black Sea region.

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Alexander Mosesov — The latest decision by the US Department of Defense to provide training to the Ukrainian National Guard can be partially explained by the country's commitment to security in the Black Sea region, a US Army Europe spokeswoman told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"This training mission meets US and partner nation interests by demonstrating America's commitment to security in the Black Sea region, and serving as an initial effort to work with Ukraine to build its internal defense capabilities," the spokeswoman told Sputnik.

She added that US Army Europe soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade will train Ukraine's National Guard in 2015 "as part of a joint DoD-DoS [Department of Defense — Department of State] initiative to strengthen Ukraine's internal defense capabilities."

US Army Europe commander Ben Hodges stated Wednesday that the US Army will train Ukrainian troops that are currently engaged in warfare with southeastern Ukraine"s independence supporters.

The country is also considering providing lethal weapons to Kiev, a move that Russia and some European countries, including France, Germany and Norway are opposed to.