Ukrainian brigadier general Vladyslav Klochkov, co-director of Rapid Trident 21 from the Ukrainian Land Forces, speaks to a multinational force during the opening ceremony for Rapid Trident 21. Credit: Sgt 1st Class Chad Menegay / US Army.

A multinational military exercise called Rapid Trident 21 has commenced in Ukraine with an opening ceremony at Central City Stadium near the city of Yavoriv.

Around 6,000 troops from 15 nations, including 4,000 soldiers from Ukraine, will participate in this annual training exercise.

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The military drill will primarily seek to boost combat readiness, defence capabilities and interoperability among the forces.

It is expected to feature joint jumps of Ukrainian and US paratroopers and battalion tactical exercises of a multinational battalion among others.

US participation in the exercise will involve the Washington Army National Guard 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which is deployed in Ukraine since April this year.

Another 150 US Army representatives will participate as mission enablers.

Ukrainian brigadier general and Rapid Trident 21 co-director from the Ukrainian side Vladyslav Klochkov said: “This exercise is not just another stage of military skills improvement but also an important step toward Ukraine’s European integration.

“It will strengthen the operational capabilities of our troops, improve the level of interoperability between units and headquarters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the US and Nato partners.”

The Rapid Trident 21 exercise is expected to end on 1 October 2021, according to a Reuters report.

The exercise comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking closer ties with western countries amid tensions with neighbouring Russia.

Earlier this year, the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced a $150m security assistance aid to Ukraine.

Recently, Ukrainian Government entity Ukroboronprom signed a multi-year cooperation agreement with US-based defence company Global Ordnance.

The move will help Ukraine use Global Ordnance’s supply chain and manufacturing partnerships to procure defence items and technologies.