On June 27 Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška and representatives of the Lithuanian Armed Forces attended DV Day at Exercise Three Swords 2021 of the Great Hetman Kostiantyn Ostrogski Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade LTPOLUKRBRIG at Yavoriv Training Area in Ukraine. It was the first division-level exercise for the headquarters and one of the key elements in brigade staff training.
“Exercises highlight readiness of military personnel to respond to developing threats expeditiously and precisely best, and this exercise also strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Armed Forces of NATO allies, Lithuania and Poland,” said V. Semeška after observing Exercise Three Swords 2021 active phase.
Vice Minister underscored that Exercise Three Swords 2021particularly strengthens combat readiness of the trilateral brigade and regional military cooperation between the Lublin Triangle countries.
Exercise Three Swords 2021 is held in Ukraine on July 19-31. The training audience of over 1,200 troops is practicing planning and executing defensive operations. Lithuania is represented by a Military Police Company, Poland – by over 500 soldiers, and Ukraine – by over 600 troops in the exercise.
The day before the DV event, July 26, Vice Minister of National Defence V. Semeška and other participants visited the National Ground Forces Academy in Lviv and later paid tribute to Ukraine’s freedom fighters.
the Great Hetman Kostiantyn Ostrogski Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian LTPOLUKRBRIG Brigade was established in September in the wake of the annexation of Crimea in March with an aim to aid the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its integration and reform in line with the Western principles, and adoption of NATO standards and procedures. Other objectives are to strengthen the military cooperation, and form and train joint military capabilities.
The Brigade encompasses the headquarters, three infantry battalions, specialized heavy weaponry, military police, communications, logistical, medical, etc., units. The framework nations are committed to assign additional capabilities to the Brigade if there is a necessity.
The Brigade HQ is established in Lublin. Its top command – the commander, deputy commander, and chief of staff – rotate among the three framework nations. Decisions concerning Brigade development are made by its Supervising Authority, the Coordination Group, formed by representatives of the countries’ defence institutions that convenes 3–4 times a year.
Photo credits: LITPOLURBRIG
Photo gallery on LITPOLUKRBRIG facebook account
