US to accelerate training of Ukrainian soldiers, says Blinken

The United States plans to accelerate the training of Ukrainian servicemen as part of its continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced this initiative during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The meeting coincided with the signing of a $825 million memorandum of understanding on energy issues.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the talks focused on enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to “strengthen the training of Ukrainian troops and increase Kyiv's ability to defend itself against Russian airstrikes by expanding the capacity” of its air defence systems. Discussions also touched on Ukraine’s “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.”

The signed memorandum aims to repair and modernize Ukraine's energy infrastructure, protect it from further damage, and integrate it into the European energy grid.

White House spokesperson John Kirby earlier indicated that the US is prepared to “expand opportunities” for training Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) personnel, contingent on Ukraine bolstering its recruitment efforts.

“We believe that personnel is the most pressing need for Kyiv. Therefore, we are ready to expand our training capabilities,” Kirby stated, noting that such a move depends on Ukraine “replenishing the ranks” of its armed forces.

A report by The Wall Street Journal highlighted the urgent need for Ukraine to recruit at least 160,000 additional troops to stabilize its front lines amid intensified Russian offensives. The publication cited unnamed US officials who expressed concern over Kyiv's insufficient mobilization efforts.

The Pentagon has also committed to providing Ukraine with monthly weapon transfers valued between $500 million and $750 million during the remaining months of President Joe Biden’s administration.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled his "Victory Plan" on October 16, calling for NATO to immediately invite Ukraine to join the alliance. The plan outlines five key points, four of which are designed to be implemented during the ongoing war, with the final step focusing on post-war security guarantees.

“Russia must permanently lose control over Ukraine and abandon any desire for such control. This is the guarantee of life for Ukraine and the guarantee of peace for Europe,” Zelenskyy declared, urging unity among Ukrainians and international partners to achieve these goals.

Despite Zelenskyy's appeals, NATO remains divided on Ukraine's accession. According to Politico, seven member states, including the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, oppose Ukraine's immediate invitation to join the alliance. The publication also identified three additional, unnamed countries resisting the move.

By Tamilla Hasanova