On December 16 informal consultations regarding possibility and prospects for better efficiency of using the joint military unit, Great Hetman Konstantinas Ostrogiškis Brigade, LITPOLUKRBRIG, for strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine and bringing in NATO standards and procedures were discussed in Vilnius at the Head of Department of Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian Ministries of Defence level. Representatives of the Ministries of Defence of the three countries also addressed regional security and agreed to hold consultations of such character in the future.
The consultations were also attended by Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksandr Polishchuk who met with Vice Minister of Defence of Lithuania Vytautas Umbrasas on the sidelines to discuss the security situation and bilateral military cooperation. Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine was also briefed on Lithuania’s experience in defence planning and acquisitions policy.
On December 17 LITPOLUKRBRIG Coordination Group meeting will continue the discussion ion the Brigade activities and combat training.
The joint military unit of Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, Great Hetman Konstantinas Ostrogiškis Brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG) was established on 19 September 2014in Warsaw. The establishment an development of the joint Brigade aimed at three major objectives: 1. To strengthen the strategic partnership of Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine while increasing and strengthening mutual trust; 2. To assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its integration and reform according to western principles, application of NATO standards and procedures, while working together and developing a mutual working culture of Lithuanian, Polish and Ukrainian military personnel; 3. To enhance military cooperation, establish and train joint capabilities capable of deployment to international operations.
The Brigade HQ is base in Lublin. The Supreme leadership positions of the unit, the Commander, Deputy Commander, and Chief of Staff, rotate between the forming countries. The HQ personnel comprises 5 Lithuanian, 18 Ukrainian, and 58 Polish officers, and 13 civilians. Development of the Brigade is shaped by the Coordination Group formed by representatives of the three countries’ defence institutions which meets 3–4 times a year.
Photo credits: MoD archive
