Ukrainian marines take part in HELBROC exercise

11.05.2011 Two servicemen of Ukrainian marine battalion – Maj Alexander Yesin and Capt Oleg Savinov – participate in headquarter exercise EVROPI II/11 started by EU multinational task group HELBROC on May 9 in Kilkis, Greece.

Objective of the exercise conducted at training range of Greek 71st air cavalry brigade is to check readiness of the multinational battlegroup to perform tasks in Europe in the second half of 2011.

Till May 21 participants will practice staff procedures in command and control, cooperation, and logistic support during potential anti-crisis operations; particularly, conflict prevention, peace enforcement, evacuation, and humanitarian activities.

During the EVROPI II/11 exercise Ukrainian servicemen will have an opportunity to study staff deployment procedures, combat integration, and structure of the EU HELBROC task group.

Participation of Ukrainian servicemen is conducted in accordance with international cooperation event list of Ukrainian defense ministry for Apr-May 2011.

Reference

On June 3, 2008 Ukraine and European Union ratified the agreement determining Ukraine's participation in the EU crisis management operation.

Articles 9 and 10 of this agreement provide that Ukrainian personnel will carry out the battlegroup's service duties being, however, fully subordinated to national command.

In case of crisis situation and corresponding international and national decisions, Ukraine will dispatch task forces in accordance with Ukraine's active legislation with regard to certain area of the operation.