Ukraine Creates Territorial Defense In Response To West-2017 Exercises

Territorial defense units will be established in each district in Ukraine before the start of joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises.

"The war experience shows that a lot of military conflicts start after official military exercises. We remember the exercises of the Russian Armed Forces Kavkaz-2008. After they were conducted, the whole world was informed about their completion, but the equipment, weapons and material were left at the exercise regions, then personnel was secretly transferred there, and Russia annexed certain territories of Georgia. To prevent this, we make ready territorial defense units in each region of Ukraine. They run a mission of the most important objects’ protection," – Army commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Sergei Popko told Svaboda.

According to him, in most regions of the country, local authorities, military commissars, and citizens organize the territorial defense responsibly.

"People are enough motivated and prepared. Problematic issues are being solved adequately and gradually at the local level. We are getting ready in advance for an adequate response to possible military threats," – Sergei Popko stresses.

The commander of the land forces of Ukraine adds that now in all regions of the country large-scale command and staff territorial defense exercises are being held, where the military are intensively trained in the field, where they sharpen their tactical skills.