Ukrainian demining personnel training concludes, Hovenier proud of US-Kosovo cooperation

Today, the six-week training of the first group of Ukrainian personnel in mine clearance has ended, a training conducted by KSF instructors in cooperation with the United States European Command.

The United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, said he is proud of the cooperation between the two countries to assist in efforts to keep the people of Ukraine safe.

"Today, the first group of Ukrainian National Police and State Emergency Services graduated from a joint training initiative of the U.S. European Command and the Kosovo Security Forces on the safe removal of mines and unexploded ordnance devices. We are proud to witness this U.S.-Kosovo effort to keep the Ukrainian people safe and to stand with our Kosovar partners in solidarity with Ukraine," said Hovenier.

The graduation ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Interior of Kosovo, Ejup Maqedonci. He said that the Republic of Kosovo stands determined to stand alongside the United States of America and other democratic countries in supporting the just struggle of the people of Ukraine against the unprovoked and unjust Russian aggression.

"Now that Ukraine is facing the Russian aggressor, the resistance of the Ukrainian people constitutes an important element of the future of democratic policies of states. The contribution of every state to support justice, peace, supporting the fight for freedom of the independent Ukrainian state is invaluable and above all it is a human obligation. In this regard, I am glad that as a state we are contributing to the right side, that of the Ukrainian people. Today, the six-week training of the first group of Ukrainian personnel in the field of EOD was successfully completed, this training was carried out by KSF instructors in cooperation with the European Command of the United States of America. This training, beyond theoretical knowledge, equips the trained Ukrainian groups with practical skills to effectively deal with threats in the form of explosive devices, thus protecting lives and critical infrastructure. The disposal of explosive devices is a critical skill in conflict zones," the Macedonian said.

He added that Kosovo's assistance to Ukraine will not be limited to training Ukrainian forces, but will continue with sending military support packages to Ukraine with armored vehicles and weapons.

The Macedonian said that the first support package from Kosovo for Ukraine has already arrived there.

"I take this opportunity to inform you here that the first support package with trucks and military vehicles has already arrived in Ukraine and we are in the final preparations phase for sending the second support package. As part of the Contact Group for Ukraine, we will ensure that we offer our contribution as a state, within the budgetary and logistical capacities of Kosovo. I congratulate all the trainees on the successful completion of this training and I am convinced that you will put the knowledge gained from this training to the service of your people and country," said the Macedonian.

/The Geopost