First Ukrainian Peacemakers Depart for Sierra Leone

On December 18 a transport with the first group of Ukrainian peacemakers departed for Sierra Leone from the port of Zhovtnevy in Mykolayiv oblast. It will also deliver 244 trucks and armored vehicles to this west African republic. The second equipped transport is to depart within a few days. Their departure had been scheduled for December 16 and 17, however, but The Daywas told at the Defense Ministry that unfavorable weather conditions, fog to be exact, made departure impossible. And on December 20 two An-124 Ruslan airplanes are to carry part of the vehicles and a lead group of peacemakers to Sierra Leone. This group will be charged with preparation of the stationing site for Ukrainian troops. On December 27, 28, and 29 three Tu-154 airplanes are to deliver the remaining peacemakers.

The deployment of Ukrainian troops in the African republic is to be completed by the end of January 2001. They will include a separate repairs and renewal battalion, a helicopter unit, and an automobile company. In line with the presidential decree the total number of Ukrainian peacemakers will be 800. Up to 220 armored troop carriers and 220 trucks of the Ukrainian armed forces will be sent. On December 11 Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk, inspecting the peacemaking troops, remarked that he was certain of their full readiness. According to the defense minister, our soldiers will train specialists for the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, repair vehicles, transport humanitarian aid, conduct air reconnaissance, etc. As Gen. Kuzmuk pointed out, the mission in Sierra Leone will last no less than a year, and later will depend on the situation. x