Two international military exercises kicked off in Ukraine on Monday, according to Xinhua.
As part of NATO's Partnership for Peace program, "Rapid Trident 2013" was staged in Ukraine's western Lvov region, grouping together around 1,300 personnel from 19 countries.
First held in 2006, the "Rapid Trident" drill was aimed at promoting regional stability and strengthening communication and coordination between NATO allies and its Partnership for Peace member states.
Meanwhile, with 15 warships and other vessels, 10 countries participated in "Sea Breeze 2013" naval exercises in the Black Sea area in the southern Odessa region.
During the 12-day maneuver, around 1,700 international naval troops will focus on fighting sea piracy and conducting non-combat evacuation operations.
The "Sea Breeze" exercises have been conducted in Ukraine annually since 1997 except 2006 and 2009.
