Ukraine Needs Resources, Training To Join Fight Against Piracy
The crew aboard the ''Faina'' in October
December 03, 2008
KYIV -- Ukraine's military says they are willing to join Western military operations against pirates in the Horn of Africa region, but would need special training and resources to do so.
Serhiy Kirichenko, the military's chief of staff, said that money must be allocated, training exercises carried out, and a political decision made before Ukraine's military could help fight against piracy.
The seas off the Horn of Africa have seen increased pirate activity this year, with pirates seizing ships and demanding ransoms to release them.
Two months ago, Somali pirates hijacked the Ukrainian cargo ship "Faina," which was carrying military equipment to Kenya. Seventeen Ukrainians and other crew members are still aboard the ship, which is reportedly about to be released.