Ukraine: Daily Briefing – July 19, 2018, 5 PM Kyiv time

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported at 12:30 PM Kyiv time that in the last 24 hours, no Ukrainian soldiers were killed or wounded in action. In the last 24 hours, Russian-terrorist forces opened fire on Ukrainian positions on the Luhansk and Donetsk sectors of the front 17 times in total.

Minister Bibeau meets with Ivanna Klympush Tsintsadze, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-atlantic Integration

Canada’s Department of Global Affairs stated, “Canada is unwavering in its support for Ukraine as that country takes the necessary steps to secure its future as a stable, democratic and prosperous country. This includes helping the Government of Ukraine advance its democratic and economic reform processes so it can be accountable to its citizens and helping rebalance socio-economic inequalities among Ukrainians.

           Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, announced a new call for preliminary proposals entitled ‘Growth that works for everyone-Inclusive and shared prosperity in Ukraine.’ The $30-million call for preliminary proposals will fund innovative projects to enhance the economic security of rural women, especially those affected by the conflict in the eastern part of the country. The projects will also help to create a more competitive, innovative and sustainable environment for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and for vulnerable and marginalized groups.

         This announcement was made by Minister Bibeau in Kyiv during a joint press conference with First Deputy Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv.”

More information on the call for proposals is available here

On July 17, Congressional Ukraine Caucus Chairs, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Sandy Levin (D-MI), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) issued a joint statement after President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki:

          “As co-chairs of the bipartisan Ukraine Caucus, we are deeply troubled by the President’s subservient behavior towards President Putin. The United States must never tolerate actions that seek to weaken democratic institutions in the U.S. and our allies abroad.

          Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its assault on peace and security in Europe has led to the death of thousands of Ukrainians and the displacement of millions.

         We are also concerned that the President did not condemn the Russian government’s assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty, including cyberattacks on its institutions, aggression in the Donbass region, and the illegal occupation of Crimea. We urge President Trump to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our NATO allies in the face of continued threats from Russia and its aggression in Ukraine.”

Operation UNIFIER training exercises.  Photo – Joint Task Force – Ukraine

In an article in the Maple Leaf, Captain Dan Brown, Second in Command Collective Training Team, Joint Task Force – Ukraine, wrote, “A live-fire water crossing. BTR-80 armoured personnel carriers. A four-day battalion-level final exercise. Ukrainian soldiers completed their most recent training cycle in June under the mentorship of international partners, including Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on Operation UNIFIER.

          The advanced and complex nature of the training reflects the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s (AFU) willingness and determination to make progress with their partners. Members of the Collective Training Team (CTT)-part of the sixth rotation of troops to deploy on Operation UNIFIER-have been in Ukraine for almost fourth months. They operate out of the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre (IPSC) in Starychi, Ukraine.

          The CTT, by far Operation UNIFIER’s largest and most widely dispersed team, provides individual and collective training to a wide variety of Ukrainian units. While its headquarters is in Starychi, its reach is across Ukraine. Its Dispersed Training Team and Staff Training Team are located across the country. They provide mentorship, security force capacity, and capability building. They also train AFU members in the operational planning process. […]

        Throughout this most recent training cycle, Ukrainian Combat Training Centre staff played a major role in providing essential training to the AFU soldiers. The training covered a variety of subjects and training objectives. These ranged from basic soldier skills, such as medical training and weapons proficiency, to platoon and company live fire operations and battalion level confirmation exercises. The Ukrainian staff provided realistic training for the AFU soldiers who will no doubt take these skills and hone them as they progress through their service. […]

        One area of focus is on leadership development for non-commissioned officers across the Land, Air, and Naval forces. Another aspect is sniper training development. […]

        On the logistics side of the house, there is a training cell which can be surged to support AFU logistical training courses around the country. Further, there is a mentor team at the Odessa Military Academy. They provide input into the instructional faculties in Logistics, Reconnaissance/Special Operations Forces, Airborne and Rocket Artillery.