The US is stepping up its training program aimed at familiarizing more Ukrainian troops with the American-made weapons being supplied to Kiev by Washington, The Hill reported on Thursday, citing unnamed Pentagon officials.
According to the outlet, hundreds of Ukrainian service members are currently being trained by American instructors in a number of European countries, where they are acquainted with US-made artillery systems, drones and radars.
The Hill report pointed out that the latest numbers revealed by US defense officials indicate a major increase compared to just “about a dozen such troops” in early April.
Over 220 Ukrainian troops have now been trained in the use of US-manufactured artillery, including the 155-mm M777 Howitzer – 90 of which Washington has pledged to provide to Kiev, the outlet said.
Twenty more Ukrainian service members on Sunday completed their training program on the state-of-the-art Phoenix Ghost loitering munition.
A senior US defense official cited by The Hill reportedly said on Monday that another fifty-plus Ukrainian troops were going to embark on a training course later this week.