The Head of state admits that “his priority is also a modern, equipped and capable Ukrainian army. After all, it is the army that will be able to become the guarantor of further security, peaceful citizens’ life and free development of independent Ukraine

Achieving peace in Donbass, the return of all Ukrainian citizens and all territories remains the issue of the highest priority. Ukraine seeks peace in the east and does everything in its power. This was announced by the President of Ukraine at the formal opening of the international training Rapid Trident - 2020, which began at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center of the Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy.

The Head of state admits that “his priority is also a modern, equipped and capable Ukrainian army. After all, it is the army that will be able to become the guarantor of further security, peaceful citizens’ life and free development of independent Ukraine”.

The President emphasizes that Ukraine's integration into NATO is one of the mechanisms of adequate response to modern challenges and reminds that earlier this week he has approved Ukraine's National Security Strategy, according to which NATO membership is a strategic course of the state.

These exercises are not only the next stage of improving military skills, but also an important step towards the Euro-Atlantic integration of our country, as they will strengthen the operational capabilities of our troops, improve interoperability between units and headquarters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, USA and other NATO members and partners. It was reported in https://president.gov.ua

Serhii Deineko, Head of the State Border Guard Service, was present at the celebrations on the occasion of the official start of the exercises.

This year, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is represented by the SHKVAL Rapid Response Border Command of the Canine Training Center, which is participating in the exercises for the second time.

After participating in official events, the Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine visited the field base camp where the combined unit of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine is located. Serhii Deineko drew the attention of the participants of the exercise to the fact that the acquired practical skills must be used in the future during the performance of operational and service tasks on protection and defense of the State Border of Ukraine.

According to the training scenario, border guards together with foreign partners will guard the territory of the country that the aggressor country will try to occupy. The special forces will train for counter-terrorism for two weeks and will be able to exchange experience in conducting military operations gained during participation in the anti-terrorist operation, including actions during anti-sabotage and anti-terrorist operations.

It should be added that about 4,000 servicemen from 10 countries will take part in the international military exercises, which will last until September 25.

Ukrainian-American Command and Staff Exercise Rapid Trident - 2020 is a continuation of the series of exercises "Shield of Peace", launched in 1995 in the framework of bilateral cooperation between the Land Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard of California (USA), with the broad involvement of armed forces representatives of other countries.