Polish Demba training field hosted a closing ceremony of Common Challenge — 16 held on December 11 through 16. Its aim was to inspect the readinerss of the multinational brigade to take part in UN-led international operations under the CREVAL (Combat Readiness Evaluation) requirements.

The national contingent of the LITPOLUKRBRIG and Ukrainian airborne battalion represented the Ukrainian military.

“The international commission has inspected us during four days”, Col. Volodymyr Yudanov said. “It was difficult to meet all CREVAL requirements. In 2016 we have trained a lot, undergone operational cooperation and trained our staff for peacekeeping missions. Thus, we have passed the final certification”.

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration Ihor Dolhov, Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Poland Antoni Macierewicz, Minister of National Defence of Republic of Lithuania Raimundas Karoblis took part in the VIP day of the exercise. Ihor Dolhov, Antoni Macierewicz, and Raimundas Karoblis signed the LITPOLUKRBRIG Certificate of Full Operational Capability.

“Having participated in this exercise the LITPOLUKRBRIG completed its annual cycle of training. The brigade is not just a symbol, it’s a real joined force of three peoples such as Lithuanian, Polish, and Ukrainian”, Mr Dolhov said.

During the VIP Day Mr Antoni Macierewicz awarded three Ukrainian officers.