NATO trust funds which were set up in September 2014 will bring the Ukrainian Armed Forces in line with NATO standards within two years, according to information obtained by Interfax-Ukraine from a NATO source.

According to the source, three out of five funds are to last two years, one will last for three years, and the other will be realized in 2015.

In particular, NATO-Ukraine Military Career Management Trust Fund (to last three years) has been set up to help the Ukrainian Defense Ministry transition soldiers from military to civilian life by holding consultations, seminars, and sharing the experience of NATO member states. The main contributor to the fund is Norway, though NATO manages the fund.

The NATO-Ukraine Logistics and Standardization Trust Fund (to be realized by the end of 2015) is to help Kyiv reform the Ukraine military's logistics system and bring it in line with NATO standards. The Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Poland are the main contributors to the fund. NATO manages the fund.

The NATO-Ukraine Cyber Defense Trust Fund is to be realized within two years. It is designed to help Ukraine develop technical capabilities to counter cyber threats. Based on the availability of funds, assistance could include the creation of an Incident Management Centre to monitor cyber security incidents and the creation of laboratories to investigate cyber security incidents. Romania is the contributor to the fund, and will act through a state-owned Romanian company with rich experience in cyber defense (RASIROM R.A.).

The NATO-Ukraine Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Trust Fund is designed to help Ukraine modernize its C4 structures and capabilities, and facilitate their interoperability with NATO to enhance Ukraine’s ability to provide for its own security and contribute to NATO-led exercises and operations. Based on the availability of funds and priority areas for assistance, to be identified through the Feasibility Study, practical assistance could include: assessment, introduction, and implementation of modern C4 architectural network; procurement of C4 equipment; acquisition of modern Communications and Information Services (CIS) and technologies; and the provision of associated CIS training. Canada, Germany, United Kingdom are the main contributors to the fund.

In addition, within two years, the NATO-Ukraine Medical Rehabilitation Trust Fund will ensure that injured Ukrainian military personnel have access to appropriate rehabilitation services and that local Ukrainian medical centers are properly equipped to deliver the services. Based on the availability of funds, assistance could include the provision of direct medical support, physical and psychological therapy for patients; the construction, renovation, refurbishment and equipping of Ukrainian medical facilities; and the provision of vocational training to help develop specialized medical staff. Bulgaria is the main contributor to the fund.