The next training course for Ukrainian sappers on disposal improvised explosive devices under the NATO standards has started in the Mine Clearing Center of the Main Directorate of Operations Support of Ukraine's Armed Forces in Kamyanets-Podilsky involving Canadian instructors.

"From the first days of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, Canada and its people have demonstrated to the whole world the principal position on the resolution of the military conflict in Donbas. I hope that the program of joint trainings, which was designed for two years and launched in 2015, will provide an opportunity to improve the professional level of servicemen of both countries and will bring peace prospects to a closer vicinity," the press service of Ukraine's Defense Ministry cited chief of Mine Clearing Center Colonel Volodymyr Rodikov.

Leader of a new group of Canadian explosion ordnance disposal military trainers Major Yugo Marcotte thanked Ukrainian servicemen for the trust and warm welcome and said that he believed that his and his colleague's experience would be useful for Ukrainian sappers while performing tasks both in missions and in the anti-terrorist operation zone.

As reported, from January 10, 2016, until the end of the current month, a group of around 200 Canadian Army soldiers of the 5th Canadian mechanized brigade group, based in Valcartier, Quebec, will be deployed to Ukraine to take part in the training operation UNIFIER.

The Canadian governmental website has reported that the newly arrived servicemen will replace their colleagues from 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group located in Petawawa, Ontario, who will return home within January, upon completion of military training as a "part of Canada's response to requests for assistance from the government of Ukraine."