Modernized equipment gives boost to Ukraine's army
- 9 years ago
Ukraine's army receives a boost from President Petro Poroshenko. He's handed over modernized military equipment, like upgraded fighter jets and armored personnel carriers.
This lineup was made possible by Ukraine's 2015 budget, which includes 5 billion dollars in defense spending.
... a show of might in the face of a crisis, as more than 4,700 people have been killed in a months-long battle between Kiev's forces and pro-Russian rebels.
But Poroshenko says he hopes to end the conflict by diplomatic means, despite the military upgrade.
(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PETRO POROSHENKO, SAYING:
"During this seven months the new Ukrainian army, new Ukrainian forces were born. We can say that by the fighters' spirit, by the equipment this is one of the most powerful armies in Europe."
A fragile ceasefire, signed in September, has been holding in the east... though both sides accuse each other of regularly breaking it.
Doubts are being cas
This lineup was made possible by Ukraine's 2015 budget, which includes 5 billion dollars in defense spending.
... a show of might in the face of a crisis, as more than 4,700 people have been killed in a months-long battle between Kiev's forces and pro-Russian rebels.
But Poroshenko says he hopes to end the conflict by diplomatic means, despite the military upgrade.
(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PETRO POROSHENKO, SAYING:
"During this seven months the new Ukrainian army, new Ukrainian forces were born. We can say that by the fighters' spirit, by the equipment this is one of the most powerful armies in Europe."
A fragile ceasefire, signed in September, has been holding in the east... though both sides accuse each other of regularly breaking it.
Doubts are being cas