Ukraine to send peacekeepers to Liberia

A group of Ukrainian peacekeepers will set off to Liberia to take part in the UN's mission on the basis of a Security Council resolution passed on September 19 and the corresponding decree by the Ukrainian president. This was announced by Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevgeni Marchuk, while speaking in the Supreme Rada on November 25.

The peacekeeping force is expected to consist of 190 officers, 60 lieutenants and 100 contract soldiers. They will take with them 6 Mi-24 military helicopters, 8 Mi-8 helicopters, 48 vehicles and 23 trailers.

Mr Marchuk said if the decision is approved by parliament the Ukrainian contingent in Liberia will be responsible for transporting personnel and freight, providing air patrols, carrying out search and rescue operations and providing back-up for the infantry divisions in the event of an attack.

The minister stressed that nobody will be forced to travel to Liberia and the contingent will be chosen on a voluntary basis. He also emphasized that the Ukrainian contingent will take orders from the commander of the UN armed forces in Liberia.