Ukraine Launches Joint Military Exercises with Eight NATO Countries

About 700 soldiers are taking part in the ‘Clear Sky 2018’ exercises Ukraine began a series of large-scale air force exercises with the United States and seven other NATO countries, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said. The 12-day exercises ‘Clear Sky 2018’ are being held in the west of Ukraine. About 700 servicemen are taking part, half of them are NATO member countries: the United States, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Poland and Romania. U.S. aircraft including F-15C Eagle fighter planes, C-130J Super Hercules military transport planes and drones will train with about 30 Ukrainian aircraft, the ministry said on Monday. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ignat said that for the first time Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian aircraft would work in the air together to protect the airspace. The exercises are aimed ‘at enhancing regional capabilities to secure air sovereignty and promote peace and security through cooperation,’ a U.S. Air Force statement said. Voice of America