Command Post Exercise “Fearless Guardian – 2015” launch a new phase of cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the sphere of defense, as stated by the President at the meeting with media in the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Lviv region.

The Head of State has noted that holding such an exercise had been discussed long ago. The first such discussion took place 10 months ago during the visit of Vice President of the United States Joe Biden to Ukraine. “As President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, I am very glad that the implementation of our arrangements have finally begun. I am confident that here, in Yavoriv training area, we are starting our efficient actions on establishing, securing and stabilizing peace,” the President said.

The Head of State has informed that except USA, the given program would also be joined by partners from Canada, Great Britain, Poland, other NATO countries, as well as Australia. “Such international cooperation will help us efficiently fulfill the tasks on the protection of our territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as freedom and democracy in Europe and the entire world,” the President said.

Petro Poroshenko has noted that the entire world demonstrated support to Ukraine and he, as President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, would keep on doing everything to ensure peace and fulfillment of the agreements.

The Head of State has thanked the American partners for the qualification of instructors that arrived to Ukraine in order to train Ukrainian soldiers. The President has expressed belief that such cooperation would be useful for the Ukrainian army. According to Petro Poroshenko, the program of training includes a wide range of issues – human rights, rules and tactics of war, as well as reconnaissance and fire control, which is extremely important for Ukrainian army today.

“The training is held not only for the war in the East. It is the implementation of my decisions on the development of the Armed Forces of a new quality,” the President said.

The Head of State has informed that together with the U.S. instructors, modern military equipment had arrived to Ukraine. It will be involved in the training of the Armed Forces, the National Guard and other units.

The President has noted that only instructors would be trained in Yavoriv. “Mobilized warriors will not be trained here. We have our own efficient training centers for this purpose,” Petro Poroshenko said. He has also added that “cooperation between the Ukrainian army and the American units that arrived to Ukraine is already extremely efficient”.

Answering the question whether such assistance is enough, the President noted that half a year ago, Ukraine couldn’t receive such an assistance, because nobody wanted to cooperate due to the high level of corruption in military sphere of our country. The situation is different now because of the volunteers’ work and the measures taken. “Ukrainian army can be trusted now. Thus, we have an opportunity to receive the equipment and organize such exercise,” the President said.