Ukraine Troops Missile Training in the US Being Planned by the Pentagon
Per The Washington Post
The Kremlin previously released warnings about the West getting involved with the conflict in Ukraine. The Pentagon is planning to invite Ukraine troops to US soil for missile training.
Previously, Russia's Putin said that the moves being made by the US, regarding their invitation of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, is Biden "fighting an indirect war with Russia."
This came after news came around the time that the US president announced a $1.85 billion package, including providing a Patriot missile battery to Ukraine. A report has surfaced saying the Pentagon is planning to bring Ukraine troops to UK soil for them to receive Patriot missile defense system training.
The training is expected to happen as early as next week at Fort Still, southwest of Oklahoma City, which is home to the Patriot missile defense basic training program. The facility is specifically designed as a training ground for field artillery maneuvers.
This comes at a time when the US recently traded Russia's "merchant of death," Viktor Bout, for WNBA's Brittney Griner.
So far, no confirmation has been given regarding how many Ukrainians are expected to receive the training. Still, the typical headcount for manning a Patriot battery usually includes 90 troops in total.
The training is limited to just the Patriot missile defense systems as Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder noted that there are no other plans to bring forces for additional weapons system training. The training will be separate from US troops.
Ryder expressed how the training would help Ukrainians in the war, per CNN.
Ryder: “Once fielded, the Patriot… will contribute to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, and provide another capability to the Ukrainian people to defend themselves against Russia’s ongoing aerial assaults,”
Putin repeatedly called out NATO nations' involvement in the war, saying should Russia feel threatened, they would retaliate.
Laura Cooper, a senior defense official, said that it would take several months of training for Ukrainian soldiers to become qualified.
Other News:
- Biden Welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky | Kremlin Says US is 'Fighting an Indirect War with Russia'
- WNBA's Brittney Griner Will Return to the US After Being Swapped for Russian Arms Dealer
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