US Spent $266Mln on Military Equipment, Training in Ukraine Since 2014

Sputnik News

21:08 25.01.2016(updated 21:22 25.01.2016)

US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt said that Washington provided military equipment and training at more than $266 million to help the Ukrainian forces improve border control and security, act more efficiently and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

KIEV (Sputnik) – The United States provided $266 million on military equipment and training to Ukraine over the past two years, US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt said Monday.

'Since 2014, we have provided military equipment and training at more than $266 million to help the Ukrainian forces improve border control and security, act more efficiently and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,' Pyatt wrote on his blog in the Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper.

Under a 2016 defense budget signed by US President Barack Obama last November, Ukraine is set to receive $300 million in military assistance this year. The Ukrainian Embassy in the United States said last month Washington had increased its assistance to $658.1 million, including logistical support, training and defense weapons deliveries.

Pyatt said two weeks ago Washington had no plans to deliver lethal weapons to Ukraine, citing its capabilities of manufacturing lethal equipment independently.

Up to 300 US troops were deployed in Ukraine to train the country's National Guard from April until November 2015.

The United States has been assisting Ukraine with economic and non-lethal military aid following the 2014 political crisis and Crimea's referendum to reunite with Russia.

© Sputnik