Camp Echo, Iraq- The coalition is sad to have to bid farewell to over 40 Servicemembers assigned from the Ukrainian nation. They have been some of the most involved and committed of the coalition nations, with their service stretching back to 2003.
Over the course of their involvement over 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers participated, from 2003 to 2005 the number of Ukrainian soldiers in Iraq numbered over 1,700 making the Ukrainian units the third largest coalition support force in country during that time.
A celebration ceremony was held last week, December 9th marked the end of the Ukrainian delegation to Iraq, and their proud service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“We have been proud to support our common values, stability, prosperity, and enduring peace with our Iraqi brethren,” said Victor Nedopas.
Victor Nedopas is the Ukrainian Embassy in Iraq Charge d’ Affairs Officer and a spokesman for the Ukrainian Forces serving in Iraq.
In the year 2006 the Ukrainian Forces pulled back to their current level of 40 peacekeepers, but have remained vested in the mission and ready to send back more soldiers had their been a need. But with the security and responsibility being given back to the Iraqi Government, they have been pleased to be able to participate with less soldiers. This is due to the excellent progress on the part of all Iraqi Security Forces in taking charge of their own Country.
