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A number of soldiers standing in front of the Patriot missile system. Photo/REUTERS
WASHINGTON – The United States (US) began training Ukrainian troops at the Fort Sill military base on the use and maintenance of the Patriot missile system.
The news was announced by Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder on Tuesday.
“Training has started,” Ryder said at a press conference, when asked about the training.
He added, “The troops have arrived at Fort Sill and have begun their training.”
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US President Joe Biden’s administration is providing a Patriot surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine, for delivery following the completion of the training.
“About 90-100 Ukrainian troops will be trained over the next few months on how to operate and maintain the missile system,” Ryder said.
Germany has also promised Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, and the Netherlands has indicated its intention to provide them as well.
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Kiev’s Western backers have focused their security assistance on air defense in recent months amid Russian missile attacks on key Ukrainian targets.
“The Pentagon’s decision to train Ukrainian forces on missile systems at Fort Sill demonstrates the US’s de facto participation in the conflict on behalf of Kiev,” Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said earlier this month.
Ryder’s remarks came after reports that American troops had also conducted military training for Ukrainian troops in Germany, which he said included field and classroom instruction.
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