Ukraine to take a more active stand in anti-piracy operations

Ukraine will take a more active stand in maintaining peace and global security by participating in the international peacekeeping and, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kluyiev said, commenting on the intention of the Ukrainian militaries to join the Ocean Shield international operation against piracy, ForUm learned from the NSDCU press service.

According to him, the fight against sea piracy is an issue of high priority for Ukraine. Over the past 3.5 years more than four dozen ships with nearly two hundred of the Ukrainian citizens on board were captured by pirates, Kluyiev said.

He reminded that Ukraine has joined the EU anti-piracy naval operation "Atalanta" in November 2010. In addition, according to him, the Ukrainian Navy is a steady participant in the Mediterranean NATO operation "Active Endeavour" in the fight against illegal migration, illegal trafficking of weapons and drugs.

Already this year, the Ukrainian aircraft participated in the EU operation "Atalanta" carrying out for observation flights over the water area. In 2013, Hetman Sagaidachnyi frigate with a ship-based helicopter and a group of special forces on board is preparing to participate in the international operation "Ocean Shield" off the coast of Somalia, the secretary of NSDCU said.

In his opinion, Ukraine's participation in such operations is not only a contribution to global security, but also a good experience for the Ukrainian militaries.

(forUm, 18 July 2012)

Ukraine planning to join NATO Operation Ocean Shield



Ukraine is planning to join international anti-piracy efforts next year as part of Operation Ocean Shield
This was announced by First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Ihor Kabanenko at a briefing.

"The Hetman Sagaidachny frigate, with a helicopter and a group of commandos on board, is preparing to participate in this operation. This will be our direct contribution to patrolling the areas of possible actions by pirates as part of an international naval force," Kabanenko said.

He said that this step would significantly influence the level of protection of Ukrainian sailors and crew who work on international maritime trade routes.

(Radio Ukraine International, 17 July 2012)