Pentagon confirms that Ukrainian operators of Patriot systems to begin training next week

The Pentagon has confirmed the information, which was first published by the American media with reference to sources, that the training of Ukrainian operators with Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems would begin in the United States next week. European Pravda reports that Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder stated this at a briefing on 10 January. "I can confirm that training for the Ukrainian military on Patriot air defence systems will begin next week at the Fort Sill base in Oklahoma," he said.

Fort Sill is one of the four basic training centres of the US Army and the centre of the Field Artillery School.

According to Ryder, at this stage of the training, 90 to 100 Ukrainian military personnel will be trained; they will either be operators or will be engaged in the system's maintenance. This training will last "several months". Earlier, on 21 December, the USA announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine in the amount of US£1.85 billion, which for the first time provides for the transfer of the MIM-104 Patriot air defence system. After that, Germany also promised to provide Ukraine with Patriots.

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