Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has said that the Steadfast Firmness 2017 command and staff exercises of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are being conducted in order to counter possible provocations by Russian military forces involved in the Russian-Belarusian exercises Zapad 2017.

"The Steadfast Firmness 2017 strategic command and staff exercises of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in which other military formations of Ukraine are also involved, are continuing in order to maintain combat readiness and counter possible provocations by the Russian military, according to the plan," the council's press service quoted him as saying on Tuesday, September 19.

Turchynov noted that during the exercises Ukraine was increasing the capabilities of the military control bodies of troops (forces) in the course of regrouping, conducting defensive, stabilization and combat operations.

"In the course of practical actions, the Ukrainian military are demonstrating field skills and combat capabilities," he added.