Larry C. Johnson: The Road to War in Ukraine - The History of NATO and US Military exercises With Ukraine

This is a three part compilation by Johnson that we have placed in this one article

Larry C. Johnson is a former CIA officer and intelligence analyst, and former planner and advisor at the US State Department’s Office of Counter Terrorism. As an independent contractor, he has provided training for the US Military’s Special Operations community for 24 years. Today he runs the website Sonar21

Cross-posted from Sonar 21:

Part 1

This is the first of a three-part series on the history of NATO and US European Command military exercises with Ukraine. This shows how the West, acting like a camel, slipped its big nose under the Ukrainian tent as part of a long-term strategy to defeat Russia. While many of these exercises were touted as peacekeeping in nature, the real purpose was to train and equip Ukraine with the ultimate goal of fighting and defeating Russia. In July 1998, for example, NATO’s Sea Breeze maritime exercise included anti-submarine warfare. WTF??? That ain’t peacekeeping. That is preparation to fight Russia in the Black Sea.

The process of making Ukraine a de facto member of NATO started in 1992, one year after the collapse of the Soviet Union. 1994 marked the first year that Ukrainian forces participated in NATO exercises, although these were held in Poland and the Netherlands. The following year, 1995, witnessed the creation of Ukraine’s Yavoriv military base as the NATO training center, although this was not formalized until 1999.

1999 was no coincidence… it was the year that NATO expanded to the East by accepting the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland as new members on March 12, 1999. This provoked alarm in Russia because it obliterated the promise of former US Secretary of State James Baker, that NATO would not move one inch to the East. President Bill Clinton broke that promise.

Part 2 will cover the period, 2000 – 2010. Part 3 will cover 2011 – 2021. The plan to use Ukraine as a proxy to weaken Russia was born in the 1990s and matured into war in 2022. I hope you find this informative.

I did a podcast today with Garland Nixon. That is posted at the end of this article.

1992

NATO-Ukraine Relations in 1992 — In 1992, Ukraine formally established relations with NATO by joining the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC) in March 1992. The North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC) was established by NATO in December 1991 as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between NATO member states and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including the former Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact states, in the immediate aftermath of the Cold War.

The NACC ostensibly was created to foster political consultation and build confidence between former adversaries, reflecting NATO’s “hand of friendship” to the newly independent and transitioning states of Central and Eastern Europe, which also included Russia. The NACC’s activities paved the way for deeper cooperation, notably leading to the launch of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994, which allowed for more practical and individualized cooperation between NATO and partner countries.

In 1997, the NACC was succeeded by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), which expanded the partnership framework to include more countries and provided a more sophisticated forum for dialogue and cooperation, reflecting the evolving security environment and the deepening relationships between NATO and its partners. Russia also joined EAPC, but was suspended from the organization in 2014 after the people of Crimea voted to reunite with Russia.

Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO began in March 1992 when it joined the newly established NACC, marking the start of formal relations and opening the door for future military cooperation .
The first concrete participation of Ukraine in a NATO-linked military exercise did not occur until September 1994, when Ukraine joined the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program and participated in joint training exercises such as “Cooperation Bridge” in Poland .

1993

In 1993, Ukraine began its military cooperation with the United States and NATO, although it had not yet joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (which happened in 1994). The most significant development in 1993 was the initiation of the U.S.-Ukraine State Partnership Program (SPP), established between the California National Guard and Ukraine. This program laid the groundwork for ongoing joint training, military exchanges, and exercises.

The U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) advocated for establishing a Military Liaison Team (MLT) in Kyiv as early as 1993, but the deployment was delayed due to diplomatic considerations. Nonetheless, military cooperation and engagement activities were ongoing under the Defense Attaché Office. The cooperation in 1993 set the stage for more formal and larger-scale military exercises such as “Peace Shield” and “Sea Breeze,” which began after Ukraine joined the Partnership for Peace in 1994.

1994

Cooperative Bridge 94

In September 1994, Ukraine participated in its first NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) joint training exercise,
“Cooperative Bridge 94,” held at the Biedrusko military training area near Poznan, Poland, from 12 to 16 September 1994 .
This exercise involved approximately 600 soldiers from 13 NATO and Partner nations, including Ukraine, and focused on basic unit and individual peacekeeping tasks and skills.
The aim was to share peacekeeping experience, develop a common understanding of operational procedures, and improve interoperability among NATO and Partner military forces .
The exercise was conducted under the supervision of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and was jointly planned with Polish military authorities.

Spirit of Partnership

Later in 1994, a Ukrainian air-mobile unit participated in another PfP training exercise called “Spirit of Partnership,” held in the Netherlands.

1995

Peace Shield 1995:

The primary NATO/USEUCOM military exercise conducted with Ukraine in 1995 was “Peace Shield,” a joint US-Ukrainian exercise held at the Yavoriv training area near Lviv from May 23 to May 27, 1995. This exercise was part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, which aimed to increase interoperability and cooperation between NATO and partner countries, including Ukraine.

Autumn Allies 95:
Another notable exercise was “Autumn Allies 95,” which involved approximately 400 U.S. Marines and 200 Ukrainian soldiers. The exercise focused on promoting interoperability in peacekeeping operations and was conducted later in 1995.

The Partnership for Peace program was central to these activities, providing a framework for joint exercises, training, and defense planning between Ukraine, NATO, and USEUCOM.

1996

Cossack Step-96:

In 1996, Ukraine hosted a military exercise called “Cossack Step-96” in cooperation with Great Britain. This exercise was conducted “in the spirit of Partnership for Peace (PfP),” NATO’s program for building trust and
interoperability with non-member countries, including Ukraine at the time. The exercise involved approximately 140 participants from Ukraine and Great Britain.

During this period, Ukraine was actively increasing its military cooperation with NATO through the PfP framework, which included joint training and exercises aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s ability to participate in multinational operations with NATO forces. The U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) was involved in
developing security cooperation with Ukraine, focusing on familiarization activities, military professionalism, and closer ties to NATO.

1997

Cooperative Neighbor-97:

In July 1997, Ukraine hosted the Cooperative Neighbor-97 joint exercise at the Yavoriv training grounds in western Ukraine. The exercise involved approximately 1,200 soldiers from the United States, Greece, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and Macedonia. Cooperative Neighbor-97 was conducted under NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, which aimed to build
trust and interoperability between NATO members and partner countries. The exercise focused on joint training and cooperation, and was observed by U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk.

Sea Breeze 1997:

Sea Breeze 1997 was a multinational maritime exercise cohosted by the United States and Ukraine in the Black Sea region. The exercise included U.S. Marines and Ukrainian forces and was initially planned to simulate an intervention in a fictional ethnic conflict, but the scenario was changed due to Russian
sensitivities. The revised scenario focused on providing humanitarian aid after an earthquake. The land-based segments were moved from Crimea to the Ukrainian mainland to avoid local protests and Russian
opposition. While conducted “in the spirit of NATO’s Partnership for Peace,” NATO itself maintained a hands-off approach, with only Turkey among NATO members sending ships to participate directly.

Significance:

Both exercises were part of the broader NATO-Ukraine cooperation established by the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership, signed in July 1997, which set the framework for ongoing military and political collaboration. These exercises marked early steps in Ukraine’s integration into Euro-Atlantic security structures and were designed to enhance interoperability, readiness, and mutual understanding between Ukraine, NATO, and U.S. European Command forces.

1998

Cossack Express 1998 (May 1998)

Location: Ukraine (multiple sites).
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and other PfP nations.
Focus: Disaster response, humanitarian aid, and crisis management.
Significance: Aimed at improving civil-military coordination in emergencies.

Peace Shield 1998 (June 1998)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv).
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and other Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations.
Focus: Command post exercise (CPX) focused on peacekeeping operations, crisis response, and interoperability with NATO standards.
Significance: Part of the “Peace Shield” series, which began in 1995 to prepare Ukrainian forces for potential NATO-led peacekeeping missions.

Sea Breeze 1998 (July 1998)

Location: Black Sea (near Odesa, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, the U.S., and other NATO partners.
Focus: Maritime security, search and rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and naval interoperability.
Significance: Part of the annual “Sea Breeze” series (started in 1997), enhancing Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO in Black Sea operations.

Cooperative Nugget 1998 (September 1998)

Location: Hohenfels Training Area, Germany (part of the Cooperative Partner series).
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and other NATO/PfP countries.
Focus: Peacekeeping operations, joint command structures, and multinational coordination.
Significance: Helped Ukrainian forces train alongside NATO troops in a simulated UN/NATO-style peacekeeping mission.

The U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and other U.S. military entities were actively engaged in planning and executing military-to-military contacts and exercises with Ukraine in 1998, focusing on familiarization, confidence building, and demonstrating U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty . The annual planners’ conference for military contacts was held in April 1998 in Stuttgart, Germany, to develop the 1999 plan, indicating ongoing and planned engagement. The transition of responsibility for U.S. military engagement in Ukraine from the Joint Staff to USEUCOM was underway in 1998, further institutionalizing these activities. The establishment of a Regional Training Centre at the Yavoriv training area in Ukraine was discussed as a future initiative for multinational training and exercises.

1999

Peace Shield 99 (May 1999)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Command post exercise (CPX) focused on peacekeeping operations, interoperability, and crisis response.
Significance: One of Ukraine’s major annual multinational exercises under the PfP framework.

Cooperative Partner 99 (June–July 1999)

Location: Ukraine (Odesa and Myrhorod regions)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM), and other NATO/PfP nations.
Focus: Maritime and air operations, including search and rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and naval interoperability.
Significance: Part of the Cooperative Partner series, enhancing Black Sea security cooperation.

Sea Breeze 99 (July–August 1999)

Location: Black Sea (Odesa and Crimea)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. Navy (6th Fleet), NATO allies (including Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria), and PfP countries.
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, and crisis response.
Significance: Part of the annual Sea Breeze series, which began in 1997 and continues today.

Cossack Express-99 (September 1999):

Held at the Yavoriv training grounds in Ukraine starting September 18, 1999, this NATO-sponsored exercise involved British and Ukrainian motorized infantry units of battalionsize. The exercise focused on rehearsing joint actions in UN authorized peacekeeping operations under NATO command, modeled after operations in the Balkans.

Cossack Steppe-99:

Conducted at the Nowa Deba training range in Poland beginning September 20, 1999, this exercise included company-sized motorized infantry units from Ukraine, Poland (a new NATO member at the time), and Britain. It also rehearsed joint peacekeeping operations under NATO command, with participation from the Ukrainian-Polish joint battalion.

Black Sea Partnership-99:

From September 20–25, 1999, the Ukrainian navy’s flagship Hetman Sahaydachny participated alongside NATO and partner country warships in this exercise, which was held mostly in Turkish waters. The aim was to practice joint naval operations and naval support for NATO-led peacekeeping operations on land.

CONCLUSION:

I spent 23 years scripting military exercises for US Special Forces. While I was not involved in the scripting of any of these NATO/US military exercises, I understand the purpose and process of them. These were not harmless games. They were designed to train and equip the Ukrainian military to fight Russia, potentially with NATO’s direct involvement. We have seen that come to fruition since the start of the Special Military Operation in 2022. It is no coincidence that Russia hit the Yavoriv NATO military facility on March 13, 2022.

Part 2

The decade of 2000 marked the start of Ukraine becoming a de facto member of NATO. It not only participated in all of the main exercises, but it hosted many. In fact, between 2000 and 2010, Ukraine is ranked in the top six of countries that hosted a NATO or USEUCOM exercise. Ukraine and Georgia, who was ranked number seven, were not NATO members. What the hell? Two non-NATO countries hosted more NATO exercises than 22 of the member nations. This is prima facie evidence that the West, despite warnings from Russia, was intent on making Ukraine and Georgia official members of NATO.

Only two things distinguished Ukraine from NATO members — it did not have a financial obligation to contribute to NATO and it was not covered by Article 5. Other than that, Ukraine was operating as a de facto member of NATO by 2010.

Project Ukraine was not confined to military cooperation alone. US and UK intelligence organizations were actively involved in Ukraine and were coordinating operations and activities with both NATO and EUCOM. The CIA, for example, has intelligence officers assigned to NATO and USEUCOM headquarters. There job is to brief senior leaders on CIA operations and coordinate activities to ensure no wires get crossed. With the benefit of hindsight, it is now clear that during the period between 2000 and 2010, the US government, with collaboration from the UK, was working intently to split Ukraine away from Russia’s sphere of influence and capture it for the West.

Note: My chats with Nima and Judge Napolitano are posted at the end of this article.

2000

Cooperative Partner 2000:

The principal NATO-led military exercise conducted with Ukraine in 2000 was Exercise Cooperative Partner 2000. This exercise took place from 19 June to 1 July 2000 in the Black Sea and the area around Odessa, Ukraine. The exercise involved forces from NATO’s Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) and the Standing Mine Counter-Measures Force Mediterranean (MCMFORMED), along with participants from ten NATO countries and six partner nations. Russia attended as an observer. The main objective was to train multinational forces to work together for peace support operations, enhancing interoperability and cooperation between NATO and partner countries.

Peace Shield 2000 (May–June 2000)

Type: Command Post Exercise (CPX) + Field Training
Participants:
- Ukraine (primary host)
- NATO/PfP: U.S., UK, Germany, Poland, Canada, and others.
- Observed by: Russia (under PfP, despite tensions over NATO-Ukraine cooperation).
Objectives:
- Train for multinational peacekeeping operations (e.g., Kosovo-style scenarios).
- Improve C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) interoperability.
- Test Ukraine’s ability to integrate with NATO-standard procedures.
Notable Elements:

Cooperative Determination 2000 (September 2000)

Type: Maritime/Search-and-Rescue (SAR) Exercise
Location: Odessa and Black Sea waters
Participants:
- Naval forces: Ukraine, U.S. (USS Yorktown), Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia.
- USEUCOM provided P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft.
Objectives:
- Counter-piracy, SAR, and maritime interdiction operations.
- First major Black Sea exercise with Ukraine post-Cold War.
Political Context:Russia criticized the exercise as “NATO expansionism” but participated as an observer.
Demonstrated Ukraine’s push for Black Sea security partnerships amid rising regional tensions.

Cossack Steppe 2000 (Summer 2000)

Type: Bilateral Field Training Exercise (FTX)
Location: Desna Training Center (Chernihiv Oblast) & other sites
Participants: Ukrainian Army + U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) advisors.
Focus:
- Peacekeeping tactics (e.g., convoy security, checkpoint operations).
- Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and combat engineer drills.
Legacy:
- Part of the U.S.-Ukraine Joint Contact Team Program (JCTP), launched in 1994 to aid Ukraine’s military reform.
- Paved the way for future exercises like Rapid Trident (post-2006).

In 2000, the United States European Command (USEUCOM) executed its first Military Contact Plan with Ukraine, following the transfer of responsibility for U.S. military engagement in Ukraine from the Joint Staff to EUCOM in late 1998. The 2000 plan was developed collaboratively with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and included a variety of military-to-military events, such as planning meetings, medical, legal, and chaplain exchanges, and other cooperative activities. These events were designed to align with specific objectives and priorities identified by both sides.

2001

Cossack Express 2001 (April–May 2001)

Location: Ukraine (multiple sites)
Participants: Ukrainian forces, U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), and NATO advisors.
Focus: Logistics, medical training, and crisis response.
Significance: Aimed at improving Ukraine’s ability to support international peacekeeping missions.

Sea Breeze 2001 (July 16–27, 2001)

Location: Black Sea (near Odessa and Crimea, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), and other NATO partners.
Focus: Maritime security, search and rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and amphibious operations.
Significance: Part of the annual “Sea Breeze” series (started in 1997), enhancing interoperability between Ukraine and NATO.

Cooperative Determination 2001 (September 2001)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM), and NATO allies.
Focus: Peacekeeping operations (PKO), command post exercises (CPX), and joint maneuvers.
Significance: Part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, improving Ukraine’s readiness for multinational operations.

Clear Sky 2001 (October 2001)

Location: Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine
Participants: Ukrainian Air Force, U.S. Air Force (USAFE), and NATO partners.
Focus: Air defense, search and rescue (SAR), and airspace coordination.
Significance: Strengthened Ukraine’s air force interoperability with NATO standards.

2002

Cossack Express 2002″ (March–April 2002)

Location: Ukraine (multiple regions)
Participants: Ukrainian National Guard, U.S. National Guard (State Partnership Program), and other NATO advisors.
Focus: Disaster response, counter-terrorism, and crisis management.
Significance: Strengthened civil-military cooperation and emergency response coordination.

Cooperative Partner 2002″ (June 2002)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area (Lviv region, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM), NATO members (including Poland, Germany, Canada), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Peacekeeping operations (PKO), command-post exercises (CPX), joint staff coordination.
Significance: Part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, aimed at preparing Ukrainian forces for potential NATO-led peacekeeping missions.

Sea Breeze 2002 (July–August 2002)

Location: Black Sea (near Odesa and Mykolaiv, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), and other NATO allies (including Turkey, UK, Greece, etc.)
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, search and rescue (SAR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Significance: Part of the annual “Sea Breeze” series (ongoing since 1997), enhancing interoperability between Ukraine and NATO naval forces.

Other Engagements:

Ukraine also participated in NATO/PfP exercises such as “Cooperative Key” (a command-post exercise) and “Cooperative Nugget”, focusing on interoperability in peace support operations.

2003

In 2003, Ukraine participated in several notable military exercises with NATO and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), reflecting its growing partnership with the Alliance and Western militaries. Some key exercises included:

Cooperative Archer 2003 (June 2003 – Lithuania)

A NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercise focused on peacekeeping operations.
Involved Ukrainian troops training alongside NATO forces in command post and field exercises.
Aimed at enhancing interoperability between NATO and partner nations.

Sea Breeze 2003 (July 2003 – Black Sea, Ukraine)

A U.S.-Ukraine co-led maritime exercise under the Partnership for Peace program.
Focused on naval interoperability, search and rescue (SAR), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Participating nations included the U.S. (USEUCOM), Ukraine, NATO allies, and other partners.

Cossack Express 2003 (September 2003 – Ukraine)

A command post exercise (CPX) involving Ukrainian forces and NATO/PfP partners.
Focused on crisis response and peace support operations.
Part of Ukraine’s efforts to align its military doctrines with NATO standards.

Combined Endeavor 2003 (September-October 2003 – Germany)

A large-scale communications and interoperability exercise led by USEUCOM.
Ukrainian forces participated alongside NATO and partner nations to improve military data-sharing and command systems.

Clear Sky 2003 (October 2003 – Ukraine)

A joint air defense exercise involving Ukrainian, U.S., and other NATO/PfP forces.
Focused on airspace coordination and air-missile defense cooperation.

In March 2003, Ukraine finalized its 2003 Target Plan within the NATO-Ukraine Action Plan framework. This plan provided for intensified military cooperation, consultations, and preparation for large-scale military exercises, including international ones. These activities were part of a broader effort to align Ukraine’s military standards and procedures with those of NATO, as well as to test military equipment and armaments
in a multinational context.

2004

In 2004, Ukraine participated in several significant military exercises with NATO and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), reflecting its growing partnership with the Alliance and Western militaries following the 2002 NATO-Ukraine Action Plan. Key exercises included:

Cossack Express 2004 (Spring 2004)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Lviv Oblast (Western Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. Army Europe (USEUCOM), and NATO partners.
Ukrainian Participants: 24th Mechanized Brigade (Yavoriv) – Trained with U.S. Army Europe’s 1st Infantry Division on peacekeeping logistics.
National Guard Units – Drilled on crowd control (later relevant during the Orange Revolution protests).
NATO Link: The Yavoriv Training Area later became the Combat Training Center for NATO partners (2015 onward).
Focus: Peacekeeping drills, command post exercises (CPX), and logistical coordination.
Significance: Aimed at preparing Ukrainian troops for potential contributions to NATO-led missions (e.g., Kosovo or Iraq).

Rapid Answer 2004 (June 2004)

Location: Poland and Ukraine (joint border areas)
Participants: Ukraine, Poland (a newly NATO-acceded member), and other Allied forces.
Focus: Rapid deployment, crisis response, and interoperability with NATO forces.
Significance: Demonstrated Ukraine’s role in regional security alongside NATO’s eastern flank.

Sea Breeze 2004 (July–August 2004)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Crimea regions)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. Navy (USEUCOM), NATO allies (including Turkey, UK, France), and partner nations.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-terrorism, search-and-rescue (SAR), and naval interoperability.
Significance: Part of the annual “Sea Breeze” series (ongoing since 1997), enhancing Black Sea regional security cooperation.

Cooperative Determination 2004 (August 2004)

Location: Crimea, Ukraine (Feodosia training area)
Participants: Ukrainian Armed Forces, NATO members (including the U.S., UK, Germany, Poland, and others)
Focus: Peacekeeping operations, interoperability with NATO standards.
Significance: Part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, emphasizing joint command structures and crisis response.

Political Fallout & Long-Term Impact

Russian Reaction:
- Moscow accused NATO of “encroachment” and pressured Ukraine to join the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) instead.
Domestic Divide:
- Pro-Western factions (e.g., Viktor Yushchenko’s bloc) praised the drills, while pro-Russian groups (Viktor Yanukovych’s Party of Regions) opposed them.
2008 NATO Summit:
- Ukraine’s 2004 exercises built momentum for its eventual Membership Action Plan (MAP) bid, though blocked by German/French hesitancy.

2005

Throughout 2005, NATO and Ukraine developed practical projects aimed at addressing Ukraine’s national security and defense needs. These included the launch of PfP trust funds to assist with the destruction of excess munitions and the retraining and resettlement of redundant military personnel . Additionally, there was the launch of a project to assist with the training of civilian personnel for Ukraine’s security and defense structures.

Cooperative Archer 2005 (June 2005)

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (but involved Ukrainian troops).
Participants: Ukraine, Georgia, NATO members, and PfP nations.
Focus: Crisis response, peacekeeping, and NATO interoperability (Ukraine contributed troops as part of PfP engagement).

Rapid Trident 2005 (July 9–22, 2005)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Lviv region, Ukraine.
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM-led), NATO members, and PfP countries.
Focus: Peace support operations, joint command post training, and enhancing interoperability with NATO standards.
Significance: Part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, helping Ukraine align with NATO procedures.

Sea Breeze 2005 (July 18–29, 2005)

Location: Black Sea (near Odessa) and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine.
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), NATO allies (including Turkey, UK, France, etc.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, and interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces.
Details: Involved naval, air, and ground forces, with a focus on counterterrorism and peacekeeping scenarios.

Cossack Steppe 2005 (September 2005)

Location: Ukraine (multiple training areas).
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and other NATO/PfP partners.
Focus: Command and staff training, peacekeeping operations, and logistical coordination.

The first Rapid Trident exercise in Ukraine took place in 2005 at the Yavoriv training ground as part of the Partnership for Peace program, marking the beginning of this recurring multinational exercise.

2006

These exercises were part of Ukraine’s broader push for NATO integration following the Orange Revolution (2004).

Cooperative Archer 2006 (June 2006)

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (but involved Ukrainian troops)
Participants: NATO members, Ukraine, Georgia, and other PfP nations.
Focus: Command post exercise (CPX) simulating NATO-led crisis response operations.
Details: Aimed at improving Ukraine’s compatibility with NATO standards in crisis management.

Sea Breeze 2006 (July 17–28, 2006)

Location: Black Sea (near Odessa and Crimea, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine (host), U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), NATO allies (including Turkey, UK, France, Germany, etc.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-terrorism, search and rescue (SAR), and interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces.
Details: Involved naval maneuvers, amphibious operations, and air defense drills.

Rapid Trident 2006 (July 17–28, 2006)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM-led), NATO members, and Partnership for Peace countries.
Focus: Ground force interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and joint command procedures.
Details: Part of the U.S.-led Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative to enhance Ukrainian military readiness.

Cossack Steppe 2006 (September 2006)

Location: Southern Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and other NATO partners.
Focus: Peacekeeping and stability operations training.

2007

In 2007, NATO and Ukraine conducted a notable command post exercise in Sevastopol and maintained a structured program of military cooperation under the NATO-Ukraine Military Work Plan and Annual Target Plan. The chiefs of defence from NATO and Ukraine met in May 2007 to assess progress under the NATO-Ukraine Military Work Plan for that year. They tasked their military representatives to begin preparations for the next cycle of cooperation, indicating ongoing planning and execution of joint activities. The NATO-Ukraine Annual Target Plan (ATP) for 2007outlined practical steps for cooperation in political, military, and security spheres, including exercises and advisory activities to improve Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration . While the ATP itself is a planning document, it confirms that military exercises and collaborative activities were a significant part of the 2007 agenda.

Cooperative Archer 2007 (May 9–18, 2007)

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (but involved Ukrainian forces)
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members, and PfP partners.
Focus: Command post exercise (CPX) simulating NATO-led crisis response operations.
Note: Though held in Georgia, Ukrainian troops participated as part of NATO interoperability training.

Cossack Steppe 2007 (June 2007)

Location: Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine with NATO advisors (including U.S. personnel)
Focus: Peacekeeping and stability operations training.

Sea Breeze 2007 (July 16–27, 2007)

Location: Black Sea (near Odessa and Mykolaiv, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM), NATO allies (including Turkey, Greece, Canada, and others)
Focus: Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and interdiction operations.
Significance: Part of the annual U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise series under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.

Rapid Trident 2007 (September 17–28, 2007)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM), NATO members, and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Peacekeeping operations, interoperability, and joint command post training.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-led Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative.

2008

The NATO-Ukraine Annual Target Plan for 2008 formalized cooperation, including joint exercises, training, and seminars . Ukraine’s participation in multinational exercises was part of its broader Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, as reaffirmed at the 2008 NATO Bucharest Summit . While Sea Breeze and Immediate Response were the most prominent multinational exercises involving Ukraine in 2008, other smaller joint training events and seminars were also conducted under the NATO-Ukraine partnership framework.

These exercises occurred amid Ukraine’s push for a NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP) at the April 2008 Bucharest Summit. While NATO declined to grant MAP due to opposition from some members (e.g., Germany and France), it affirmed Ukraine’s future membership prospects, stating it “will become a member of NATO” eventually. Russia strongly opposed these developments, escalating tensions that later influenced its 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Rapid Trident 2008

Date: June 2008
Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukrainian Armed Forces, U.S. Army Europe (USEUCOM), NATO member & partner nations.
Focus: Interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and joint command procedures.
Significance: Part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to work with NATO forces.

Sea Breeze 2008

Date: July 2008
Location: Black Sea (Odessa region) & Southern Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), and other allied navies.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-terrorism, and disaster response drills.
Context: Annual U.S.-Ukraine naval exercise demonstrating NATO-Ukraine cooperation in the Black Sea.

Combined Endeavor 2008

Date: September 2008
Location: Grafenwöhr, Germany (communications-focused exercise)
Participants: Ukraine joined NATO and partner nations.
Focus: Improving military communications interoperability with NATO standards.

2009

The exercises in 2009 were central to strengthening Ukraine’s military cooperation with NATO and the U.S., laying the groundwork for deeper defense ties in subsequent years These exercises were part of Ukraine’s NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, which sought closer military cooperation without full membership. Russia strongly criticized these drills, particularly Sea Breeze, as encroaching on its sphere of influence. The training laid groundwork for future cooperation, especially after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, when Ukraine intensified NATO-linked exercises.

These exercises also were part of the broader NATO-Ukraine cooperation, as outlined in the NATO-Ukraine Annual Target Plan for 2009, which emphasized joint training, equipment modernization, and increasing interoperability . USEUCOM (United States European Command) regularly supported and participated in these exercises, underscoring the U.S. commitment to European security and partnership with Ukraine.

Sea Breeze 2009

Date: July 2009
Location: Black Sea (near Odessa and Crimea)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM), NATO allies (including Turkey, Greece, Canada), and partner nations.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-piracy, amphibious operations, and interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces.
Details: Involved naval ships, aircraft, and special operations forces. Russia opposed the exercise, viewing it as NATO expansionism near its borders.

Rapid Trident 2009

Date: September 2009
Location: Yavoriv Training Center (near Lviv, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. Army Europe (USEUCOM), NATO members (including Poland, Germany), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Peacekeeping operations, counterinsurgency, and joint command post training.
Details: Part of the U.S.-led Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative to enhance Ukrainian military interoperability with NATO.

Saber Guardian 2009″ (Part of the “Combined Endeavor” series)

Date: Conducted periodically (Ukraine participated in related interoperability drills)
Focus: Communications interoperability between NATO and partner nations.
Details: Aimed at improving secure data-sharing and command structures.

2010

2010 was part of Ukraine’s pro-NATO phase under President Viktor Yanukovych, who initially continued military cooperation, despite later rejecting NATO membership (2010–2014). The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers approved an action plan in June 2010 for annual cooperation with NATO, which included participation in NATO-led peacekeeping missions, joint exercises, and training of Ukrainian troops within NATO structures. Ukraine participated in NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour, a counter-terrorist maritime surveillance operation in the Mediterranean Sea. Ukraine deployed ships to support this operation six times between 2007 and 2010, including in 2010. The State Partnership Program (SPP) between Ukraine and the U.S. National Guard (California) continued, including joint training events.

Rapid Trident 2010

Date: July 2010
Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Joint multinational peacekeeping operations, interoperability with NATO forces.
Significance: Part of the annual U.S.-Ukraine cooperative military training program under the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U).

Sea Breeze 2010

Date: July 2010
Location: Black Sea (near Odessa)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), and other allied nations.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-piracy, search and rescue (SAR), and naval interoperability.
Significance: A long-standing U.S.-Ukraine naval exercise, enhancing Black Sea security cooperation.

Saber Guardian/Rapid Reaction 2010

Date: Conducted in multiple phases (summer/fall)
Location: Ukraine and other Eastern European countries
Participants: Ukrainian forces alongside U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) and NATO partners.
Focus: Rapid deployment, peace support operations, and joint command post exercises.

The ten-year period — 2011 -2021 — marked a dramatic surge in the size of the Ukrainian military. Although the number of active duty soldiers stabilized at 200,000 starting in 2018, the Ukrainian reserves grew by a factor of 10. These reserves were made possible by Ukraine’s annual military training with NATO and USEUCOM forces. The stage was set for going to war with Russia.

In 2010, the size of the Ukrainian army (Armed Forces of Ukraine) was approximately 245,000 personnel. This figure reflects the continued downsizing and restructuring that followed Ukraine’s independence, as the government reduced the military from its Soviet-era levels. By the end of 2013, the number had dropped further to around 165,500 total personnel, including about 120,900 active military members, highlighting the significant decline during this period.

In 2010, the size of the Ukrainian army reserves was very limited. According to official plans, Ukraine aimed to have 6,300 reservists in 2010, but by the end of that year, only 1,681 reservists were actually in place-just 27% of the planned number. This reflects the fact that, at the time, Ukraine did not maintain a large, well-trained reserve force, and the system for professional reservists was still being developed.

By January 2022, just before the full-scale Russian invasion, a dramatic transformation had taken place. The Ukrainian Armed Forces had an estimated active personnel strength of approximately 200,000 to 250,000, but its pool of reservists had surged to 900,000.

The International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC) in Yavoriv, Ukraine, which was established in 2007, gained importance during the decade starting in 2011. It was created to serve as a major training facility for Ukrainian and international military units, supporting multinational exercises and peacekeeping training. The IPSC remained a central hub for joint training activities, including large annual exercises such as Rapid Trident, until Russia attacked it with a missile on March 13, 2022.

The annual military exercise in the Black Sea, i.e., SEA BREEZE, shifted in 2017 from maritime security, anti-piracy, and naval interoperability objectives to amphibious warfare and anti-submarine warfare. NATO could no longer pretend that it was just a defensive organization. Amphibious and anti-submarine warfare are offensive operations.

2011

COMBINED ENDEAVOR (May 2011 – Communications-focused)

Location: Grafenwöhr, Germany (Ukraine participated as a partner nation).
Focus: NATO interoperability in communications and information systems.

RAPID TRIDENT (June 20–July 1, 2011)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: The exercise involved approximately 1,600 personnel from Ukraine, the United States, and other NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations, including Latvia, Belarus, Moldova, Slovenia, Canada, Georgia, Poland, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Estonia, as well as the California and Utah National Guards and U.S. Air Force Europe.
Focus: Multinational interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and joint command procedures.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-Ukraine “Sea Breeze” and “Rapid Trident” series, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to work with NATO forces.

SEA BREEZE 2011 (July 6–16, 2011)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa region) and Myrhorod Air Base, Ukraine.
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM-led), NATO allies (including Turkey, Romania), and other partners.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-piracy, and air defense operations.
Significance: Aimed at improving naval and air force coordination in crisis scenarios.

2012

Rapid Trident (July 2012)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Joint multinational peacekeeping and stability operations, enhancing interoperability with NATO forces.
Significance: Part of the annual U.S.-Ukraine bilateral exercise program under the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative.

Sea Breeze 2012 (July 2012)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM & U.S. Navy), NATO allies, and partner nations.
Focus: Maritime security, counter-piracy, and naval interoperability.
Significance: A long-running U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise promoting regional stability in the Black Sea.

Saber Guardian/Rapid Reaction 2012 (June-July 2012)

Location: Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria (multinational, with Ukrainian participation)
Participants: U.S. Army Europe, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and other NATO/PfP nations.
Focus: Combined arms training, command post exercises, and rapid deployment operations.

Other Engagements:

Ukraine also participated in NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) drills and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) events, focusing on defense reforms and interoperability.

2013

Exercise Rapid Trident (2013)

Date: July 2013
Location: International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC), Yavoriv, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and joint command procedures.
Details: This annual U.S.-led exercise aimed to enhance cooperation between Ukrainian forces and NATO allies, focusing on peace support and stability operations.

Exercise Sea Breeze (2013)

Date: July 2013
Location: Black Sea region (Odessa and Mykolaiv areas, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. Navy (6th Fleet), and other NATO partners.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-piracy, and naval interoperability.
Details: A U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise involving naval, air, and ground forces to improve Black Sea security cooperation.

Exercise Saber Guardian / Rapid Reaction (2013)

Date: June–July 2013
Location: Multiple locations in Europe, including Ukraine’s participation.
Focus: Multinational command post and field training exercises.
Details: Part of a broader NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) effort, involving U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) and allied forces.

Other Cooperative Drills

Ukraine also engaged in smaller-scale NATO-Ukraine exercises, including medical, logistics, and command post training under the NATO-Ukraine Annual National Program (ANP).

2014

In 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Ukraine intensified its military cooperation with NATO and the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM). Several key exercises were conducted to enhance interoperability and strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Here are the notable exercises from that year:

Exercise Sea Breeze (July–August 2014)

Location: Black Sea (near Odessa)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), and other allied nations.
Focus: Maritime security operations, including anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and naval interoperability.
Significance: Conducted amid heightened tensions in the Black Sea region following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Exercise Rapid Trident (September 2014)

Location: International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC), Yavoriv, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and partner nations.
Focus: Joint multinational training to improve interoperability with NATO forces, including field maneuvers, peacekeeping operations, and counterinsurgency tactics.
Significance: This was part of the long-running Rapid Trident series, but the 2014 iteration took on greater importance due to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Exercise Fearless Guardian (Planned for 2015, but preparations began in late 2014)

Background: Although officially launched in April 2015, planning and initial coordination with U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) started in late 2014.
Focus: Training Ukrainian National Guard units in counterinsurgency and defensive operations, with U.S. Army instructors.

Other NATO-Ukraine Cooperation in 2014

NATO Trust Funds for Ukraine: Established to support military rehabilitation, logistics, and cyber defense.
Increased U.S. Military Aid: The U.S. began providing non-lethal assistance (e.g., body armor, medical supplies, and communications equipment) and stepped up advisory missions.

2015

The exercises were part of NATO’s response to Russia’s support for the Ukrainian militia in the Donbas, aimed at improving Ukraine’s military capabilities and interoperability with Western forces. They also signaled Western support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict in Donbas.

Fearless Guardian 2015 (April–November 2015)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine
Participants: U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), Ukrainian Armed Forces, and other NATO partners.
Focus: Training Ukrainian National Guard units in defensive tactics, medical aid, and countering hybrid threats.
Significance: Part of the U.S. Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF) program to bolster Ukraine’s military readiness.

Saber Guardian/Rapid Griffin (July 2015)

Location: Multiple locations in Europe, including Ukraine.
Participants: U.S. Army Europe, Ukrainian forces, and other Eastern European allies.
Focus: Large-scale multinational maneuvers to enhance regional security and NATO-Ukraine cooperation.

Rapid Trident 2015 (September 2015)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (over 1,800 troops from 18 countries).
Focus: Enhancing interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO, including command post exercises, field training, and peacekeeping operations.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-led Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Sea Breeze 2015 (September 2015)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (Navy and Marines), NATO members (including Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and others).
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, and naval interoperability.
Significance: Annual U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise aimed at improving Black Sea security.

2016

The exercises in 2016 were part of NATO’s broader support for Ukraine following Russia’s aggression, emphasizing interoperability, defensive capabilities, and reforms aligned with NATO standards. The U.S. and EUCOM played a central role in funding and organizing these drills.

Exercise Rapid Trident (2016)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (over 1,800 troops from 15 countries)
Focus: Joint multinational interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and defensive drills.
Led by: U.S. Army Europe (now U.S. Army Europe and Africa) in partnership with Ukraine.

Exercise Sea Breeze (2016)

Location: Black Sea (hosted by Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (Navy and Marines), NATO members (including Romania, Turkey, and others).
Focus: Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, and naval interoperability.
Led by: U.S. 6th Fleet and Ukrainian Navy.

Exercise Saber Guardian/Rapid Griffin (part of U.S.-led drills)

While Saber Guardian 2016 primarily involved Eastern European NATO allies (e.g., Romania, Bulgaria), Ukraine participated in related training under the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U), a U.S.-led effort to enhance Ukrainian Armed Forces’ capabilities.

Exercise Fearless Guardian (2015–2016, ongoing training)

Though officially launched in 2015 under the U.S. Army Europe’s Operation Atlantic Resolve, this program continued into 2016, providing Ukrainian troops with training in counter-artillery, medical response, and tactical maneuvers.

Crisis Management Exercise (CMX) 2016

Overview: A NATO-wide strategic political-military exercise to rehearse consultation and decision-making procedures. While not Ukraine-specific, Ukraine is a NATO partner and may have participated in related activities.

2017

The 2017 exercises were part of a broader strategy to enhance the readiness and interoperability of Ukrainian forces with NATO and partner nations in response Russia’s support for the Donbas.

Sea Breeze 2017

Date: July 10–22, 2017
Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO members (including Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria), and other partners.
Focus: Maritime security operations, amphibious warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

Saber Guardian 2017 (Part of Allied Shield exercises)

Date: July 2017
Location: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria (Ukrainian observers participated)
Participants: Multiple NATO members and partners.
Focus: Large-scale multinational land operations, though Ukraine’s role was limited compared to its involvement in other drills.

Rapid Trident 2017

Date: September 2017
Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (over 2,500 troops from 15 countries).
Focus: Enhancing interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO through command post and field training exercises.

Joint Endeavor 2017 (Cyber Defense Exercise)

Date: November 2017
Participants: Ukraine, NATO Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCOE).
Focus: Strengthening cyber defense capabilities against hybrid threats.

2018

The 2018 exercises were part of Ukraine’s post-2014 push for NATO compatibility following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the Donbas conflict. The U.S. and NATO emphasized “territorial defense” training, reflecting Ukraine’s need to counter hybrid threats.

Exercise Rapid Trident (2018)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Over 2,200 troops from 14 nations, including Ukraine, the U.S., and other NATO allies.
Focus: Joint multinational interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and defensive maneuvers.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-led European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) to bolster Eastern European partners.

Exercise Sea Breeze (2018)

Location: Black Sea (primarily near Odesa and Mykolaiv, Ukraine)
Participants: Naval forces from Ukraine, the U.S., and other NATO members (e.g., Romania, Turkey).
Focus: Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and amphibious operations.
Context: Aimed at countering Russian dominance in the Black Sea post-2014 annexation of Crimea.

Exercise Joint Endeavor (2018)

Part of: NATO’s Enhanced Opportunity Program (EOP), which included Ukraine as one of six “enhanced partners.”
Focus: Command post exercise (CPX) testing interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces in crisis response.

Exercise Saber Guardian (2018 – Limited Involvement)

While primarily a U.S. Army Europe-led exercise in Bulgaria/Hungary/Romania, Ukrainian forces participated in related training events under NATO’s framework.

Clear Sky 2018

Conducted in mid-October 2018, primarily at Starokostiantyniv Air Base in western Ukraine.
Marked Ukraine’s largest aviation exercise to date, with participation from the United States and eight other nations (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine).
Approximately 950 personnel took part, including robust participation from the California Air National Guard as part of the U.S. State Partnership Program.
Focus areas included air interdiction, air-to-ground integration, air mobility operations, aeromedical evacuation, cyber defense, and personnel recovery.
U.S. aircraft involved included F-15C Eagles, C-130J Super Hercules, KC-135s, and MQ-9 drones.

Other Multinational Exercises Involving Ukraine

Iron Wolf 2018: A Lithuanian-led exercise held in November 2018 in Lithuania, involving around 3,500 troops from 13 NATO Allies and partner nation Ukraine. While not hosted in Ukraine, it included Ukrainian participation and focused on defensive operations and rapid mobility with NATO battlegroups.

2019

Exercise Sea Breeze (July 2019)

Location: Black Sea (Odesa and Mykolaiv regions)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (co-hosted with USEUCOM), and NATO allies (including UK, Canada, Turkey, and others).
Focus: Maritime security operations, amphibious warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

Exercise Saber Guardian (July 2019)

Location: Multiple Eastern European countries (Ukraine participated in related drills)
Participants: U.S. Army Europe (now U.S. Army Europe and Africa), NATO allies, and partners, including Ukraine.
Focus: Large-scale multinational maneuvers to enhance readiness and coordination.

Exercise Rapid Trident (September 2019)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (led by USEUCOM), and multiple NATO allies.
Focus: Joint multinational training to enhance interoperability among NATO and partner nations, including command post exercises and field training.

Exercise Maple Arch 2019 (October-November 2019)

Location: Poland (with Ukrainian participation)
Participants: Ukraine, Poland, U.S., and other NATO partners.
Focus: Air defense and joint operations training.

Exercise Joint Endeavor 2019 (November 2019)

Location: Germany (but involved Ukrainian forces in NATO interoperability drills)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and NATO members.
Focus: Command post exercise testing NATO’s rapid reinforcement capabilities, including Ukrainian staff officers in NATO-led scenarios.

Other Related Exercises

The U.S. Army Europe also participated in a series of nine exercises in the Black Sea and Balkan regions during May and June 2019, including Immediate Response and Saber Guardian, but these were not specifically noted as involving Ukraine directly in the provided results.

2020

Exercise Sea Breeze 2020

Date: July 2020 (initially scaled down due to COVID-19)
Location: Black Sea region (Odessa, Mykolaiv, and nearby waters)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (Navy & Marines), NATO members (Romania, Turkey, Spain, etc.), and partners (Georgia).
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, and anti-submarine warfare.

Exercise Rapid Trident 2020

Date: September 2020
Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Western Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (including the UK, Canada, Poland, and others).
Focus: Enhanced interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO, including command post exercises (CPX) and field training (FTX).

Exercise Maple Arch 2020 (Ukraine-Canada bilateral)

Date: September 2020
Location: Ukraine
Focus: Tactical medical training and combat readiness.

Exercise Combined Resolve XIII (USEUCOM-led, with Ukrainian observers)

Date: September-October 2020
Location: Hohenfels Training Area, Germany
Focus: Large-scale combat operations with NATO allies (Ukraine participated as an observer).

Exercise Joint Endeavor 2020

Date: November 2020
Location: Germany (virtual/command-post format due to pandemic)
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members, and partners.
Focus: Crisis response, command & control (C2), and multinational coordination.

Bomber Task Force Missions

On September 4, 2020, U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers entered Ukrainian airspace for the first time, conducting a long flight along the borders of Crimea.
These missions were part of broader U.S.-NATO bomber integration training across Europe, demonstrating U.S. commitment to security in the region and interoperability with NATO and Ukrainian forces.

2021

In 2021, Ukraine participated in several significant military exercises with NATO and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), reinforcing interoperability and defense capabilities amid rising tensions with Russia.

Exercise Defender-Europe 2021 (May-June 2021)

A large-scale U.S.-led multinational exercise across Europe, involving over 28,000 troops from 26 nations.
Ukraine contributed mechanized units and participated in drills focused on joint maneuvers, logistics, and command operations.
Part of the exercise took place in Yavoriv, Ukraine, at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC), a key training hub for NATO-Ukraine cooperation.

Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 (June-July 2021)

A major naval and air exercise co-hosted by Ukraine and the U.S. in the Black Sea.
Involved 32 ships, 40 aircraft, and 5,000 troops from over 30 countries (including NATO members).
Russia strongly opposed the drills, accusing NATO of escalating tensions in the region.

Exercise Rapid Trident 2021 (September 2021)

An annual U.S.-Ukraine co-led exercise under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.
Held at Yavoriv Combat Training Center, involving 6,000 troops from 15 countries (including NATO members).
Focused on interoperability, peacekeeping, and defensive operations.

Exercise Cossack Mace 2021 (October-November 2021)

A command-post exercise (CPX) involving Ukrainian forces and NATO allies.
Focused on joint staff planning, crisis response, and hybrid warfare scenarios.

Exercise Joint Endeavor 2021 (November 2021)

A communications and cybersecurity exercise aimed at improving NATO-Ukraine coordination in electronic warfare and secure data exchange.

Additional Engagements

NATO Days in Ukraine 2021: NATO teams visited Ukrainian Armed Forces Institutes, providing presentations and briefings to enhance cooperation and understanding

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Part 3

Here is a video of the US Marines landing on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast in 2017:

2011

COMBINED ENDEAVOR (May 2011 – Communications-focused)

Location: Grafenwöhr, Germany (Ukraine participated as a partner nation).
Focus: NATO interoperability in communications and information systems.

RAPID TRIDENT (June 20–July 1, 2011)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: The exercise involved approximately 1,600 personnel from Ukraine, the United States, and other NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations, including Latvia, Belarus, Moldova, Slovenia, Canada, Georgia, Poland, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Estonia, as well as the California and Utah National Guards and U.S. Air Force Europe.
Focus: Multinational interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and joint command procedures.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-Ukraine “Sea Breeze” and “Rapid Trident” series, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to work with NATO forces.

SEA BREEZE 2011 (July 6–16, 2011)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa region) and Myrhorod Air Base, Ukraine.
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM-led), NATO allies (including Turkey, Romania), and other partners.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-piracy, and air defense operations.
Significance: Aimed at improving naval and air force coordination in crisis scenarios.

2012

Rapid Trident (July 2012)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Joint multinational peacekeeping and stability operations, enhancing interoperability with NATO forces.
Significance: Part of the annual U.S.-Ukraine bilateral exercise program under the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative.

Sea Breeze 2012 (July 2012)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM & U.S. Navy), NATO allies, and partner nations.
Focus: Maritime security, counter-piracy, and naval interoperability.
Significance: A long-running U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise promoting regional stability in the Black Sea.

Saber Guardian/Rapid Reaction 2012 (June-July 2012)

Location: Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria (multinational, with Ukrainian participation)
Participants: U.S. Army Europe, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and other NATO/PfP nations.
Focus: Combined arms training, command post exercises, and rapid deployment operations.

Other Engagements:

Ukraine also participated in NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) drills and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) events, focusing on defense reforms and interoperability.

2013

Exercise Rapid Trident (2013)

Date: July 2013
Location: International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC), Yavoriv, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Focus: Interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and joint command procedures.
Details: This annual U.S.-led exercise aimed to enhance cooperation between Ukrainian forces and NATO allies, focusing on peace support and stability operations.

Exercise Sea Breeze (2013)

Date: July 2013
Location: Black Sea region (Odessa and Mykolaiv areas, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. Navy (6th Fleet), and other NATO partners.
Focus: Maritime security, anti-piracy, and naval interoperability.
Details: A U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise involving naval, air, and ground forces to improve Black Sea security cooperation.

Exercise Saber Guardian / Rapid Reaction (2013)

Date: June–July 2013
Location: Multiple locations in Europe, including Ukraine’s participation.
Focus: Multinational command post and field training exercises.
Details: Part of a broader NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) effort, involving U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) and allied forces.

Other Cooperative Drills

Ukraine also engaged in smaller-scale NATO-Ukraine exercises, including medical, logistics, and command post training under the NATO-Ukraine Annual National Program (ANP).

2014

Exercise Sea Breeze (July–August 2014)

Location: Black Sea (near Odessa)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (USEUCOM/NATO), and other allied nations.
Focus: Maritime security operations, including anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and naval interoperability.
Significance: Conducted amid heightened tensions in the Black Sea region following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Exercise Rapid Trident (September 2014)

Location: International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC), Yavoriv, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members (including the U.S.), and partner nations.
Focus: Joint multinational training to improve interoperability with NATO forces, including field maneuvers, peacekeeping operations, and counterinsurgency tactics.
Significance: This was part of the long-running Rapid Trident series, but the 2014 iteration took on greater importance due to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Exercise Fearless Guardian (Planned for 2015, but preparations began in late 2014)

Background: Although officially launched in April 2015, planning and initial coordination with U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) started in late 2014.
Focus: Training Ukrainian National Guard units in counterinsurgency and defensive operations, with U.S. Army instructors.

Other NATO-Ukraine Cooperation in 2014

NATO Trust Funds for Ukraine: Established to support military rehabilitation, logistics, and cyber defense.
Increased U.S. Military Aid: The U.S. began providing non-lethal assistance (e.g., body armor, medical supplies, and communications equipment) and stepped up advisory missions.

2015

Fearless Guardian 2015 (April–November 2015)

Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Ukraine
Participants: U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), Ukrainian Armed Forces, and other NATO partners.
Focus: Training Ukrainian National Guard units in defensive tactics, medical aid, and countering hybrid threats.
Significance: Part of the U.S. Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF) program to bolster Ukraine’s military readiness.

Saber Guardian/Rapid Griffin (July 2015)

Location: Multiple locations in Europe, including Ukraine.
Participants: U.S. Army Europe, Ukrainian forces, and other Eastern European allies.
Focus: Large-scale multinational maneuvers to enhance regional security and NATO-Ukraine cooperation.

Rapid Trident 2015 (September 2015)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (over 1,800 troops from 18 countries).
Focus: Enhancing interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO, including command post exercises, field training, and peacekeeping operations.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-led Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Sea Breeze 2015 (September 2015)

Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (Navy and Marines), NATO members (including Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and others).
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, and naval interoperability.
Significance: Annual U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted exercise aimed at improving Black Sea security.

2016

Exercise Rapid Trident (2016)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (over 1,800 troops from 15 countries)
Focus: Joint multinational interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and defensive drills.
Led by: U.S. Army Europe (now U.S. Army Europe and Africa) in partnership with Ukraine.

Exercise Sea Breeze (2016)

Location: Black Sea (hosted by Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (Navy and Marines), NATO members (including Romania, Turkey, and others).
Focus: Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, and naval interoperability.
Led by: U.S. 6th Fleet and Ukrainian Navy.

Exercise Saber Guardian/Rapid Griffin (part of U.S.-led drills)

While Saber Guardian 2016 primarily involved Eastern European NATO allies (e.g., Romania, Bulgaria), Ukraine participated in related training under the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U), a U.S.-led effort to enhance Ukrainian Armed Forces’ capabilities.

Exercise Fearless Guardian (2015–2016, ongoing training)

Though officially launched in 2015 under the U.S. Army Europe’s Operation Atlantic Resolve, this program continued into 2016, providing Ukrainian troops with training in counter-artillery, medical response, and tactical maneuvers.

Crisis Management Exercise (CMX) 2016

Overview: A NATO-wide strategic political-military exercise to rehearse consultation and decision-making procedures. While not Ukraine-specific, Ukraine is a NATO partner and may have participated in related activities.

2017

The 2017 exercises were part of a broader strategy to enhance the readiness and interoperability of Ukrainian forces with NATO and partner nations in response Russia’s support for the Donbas.

Sea Breeze 2017

Date: July 10–22, 2017
Location: Black Sea (Odessa and Mykolaiv regions, Ukraine)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO members (including Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria), and other partners.
Focus: Maritime security operations, amphibious warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

Saber Guardian 2017 (Part of Allied Shield exercises)

Date: July 2017
Location: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria (Ukrainian observers participated)
Participants: Multiple NATO members and partners.
Focus: Large-scale multinational land operations, though Ukraine’s role was limited compared to its involvement in other drills.

Rapid Trident 2017

Date: September 2017
Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (over 2,500 troops from 15 countries).
Focus: Enhancing interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO through command post and field training exercises.

Joint Endeavor 2017 (Cyber Defense Exercise)

Date: November 2017
Participants: Ukraine, NATO Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCOE).
Focus: Strengthening cyber defense capabilities against hybrid threats.

2018

Exercise Rapid Trident (2018)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine (near Lviv)
Participants: Over 2,200 troops from 14 nations, including Ukraine, the U.S., and other NATO allies.
Focus: Joint multinational interoperability, peacekeeping operations, and defensive maneuvers.
Significance: Part of the U.S.-led European Reassurance Initiative (ERI) to bolster Eastern European partners.

Exercise Sea Breeze (2018)

Location: Black Sea (primarily near Odesa and Mykolaiv, Ukraine)
Participants: Naval forces from Ukraine, the U.S., and other NATO members (e.g., Romania, Turkey).
Focus: Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and amphibious operations.
Context: Aimed at countering Russian dominance in the Black Sea post-2014 annexation of Crimea.

Exercise Joint Endeavor (2018)

Part of: NATO’s Enhanced Opportunity Program (EOP), which included Ukraine as one of six “enhanced partners.”
Focus: Command post exercise (CPX) testing interoperability between NATO and Ukrainian forces in crisis response.

Exercise Saber Guardian (2018 – Limited Involvement)

While primarily a U.S. Army Europe-led exercise in Bulgaria/Hungary/Romania, Ukrainian forces participated in related training events under NATO’s framework.

Clear Sky 2018

Conducted in mid-October 2018, primarily at Starokostiantyniv Air Base in western Ukraine.
Marked Ukraine’s largest aviation exercise to date, with participation from the United States and eight other nations (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine).
Approximately 950 personnel took part, including robust participation from the California Air National Guard as part of the U.S. State Partnership Program.
Focus areas included air interdiction, air-to-ground integration, air mobility operations, aeromedical evacuation, cyber defense, and personnel recovery.
U.S. aircraft involved included F-15C Eagles, C-130J Super Hercules, KC-135s, and MQ-9 drones.

Other Multinational Exercises Involving Ukraine

Iron Wolf 2018: A Lithuanian-led exercise held in November 2018 in Lithuania, involving around 3,500 troops from 13 NATO Allies and partner nation Ukraine. While not hosted in Ukraine, it included Ukrainian participation and focused on defensive operations and rapid mobility with NATO battlegroups.

2019

Exercise Sea Breeze (July 2019)

Location: Black Sea (Odesa and Mykolaiv regions)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (co-hosted with USEUCOM), and NATO allies (including UK, Canada, Turkey, and others).
Focus: Maritime security operations, amphibious warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

Exercise Saber Guardian (July 2019)

Location: Multiple Eastern European countries (Ukraine participated in related drills)
Participants: U.S. Army Europe (now U.S. Army Europe and Africa), NATO allies, and partners, including Ukraine.
Focus: Large-scale multinational maneuvers to enhance readiness and coordination.

Exercise Rapid Trident (September 2019)

Location: Yavoriv Combat Training Center, Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (led by USEUCOM), and multiple NATO allies.
Focus: Joint multinational training to enhance interoperability among NATO and partner nations, including command post exercises and field training.

Exercise Maple Arch 2019 (October-November 2019)

Location: Poland (with Ukrainian participation)
Participants: Ukraine, Poland, U.S., and other NATO partners.
Focus: Air defense and joint operations training.

Exercise Joint Endeavor 2019 (November 2019)

Location: Germany (but involved Ukrainian forces in NATO interoperability drills)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., and NATO members.
Focus: Command post exercise testing NATO’s rapid reinforcement capabilities, including Ukrainian staff officers in NATO-led scenarios.

Other Related Exercises

2020

Exercise Sea Breeze 2020

Date: July 2020 (initially scaled down due to COVID-19)
Location: Black Sea region (Odessa, Mykolaiv, and nearby waters)
Participants: Ukraine, U.S. (Navy & Marines), NATO members (Romania, Turkey, Spain, etc.), and partners (Georgia).
Focus: Maritime security, amphibious operations, and anti-submarine warfare.

Exercise Rapid Trident 2020

Date: September 2020
Location: Yavoriv Training Area, Western Ukraine
Participants: Ukraine, U.S., NATO allies, and partner nations (including the UK, Canada, Poland, and others).
Focus: Enhanced interoperability between Ukrainian forces and NATO, including command post exercises (CPX) and field training (FTX).

Exercise Maple Arch 2020 (Ukraine-Canada bilateral)

Date: September 2020
Location: Ukraine
Focus: Tactical medical training and combat readiness.

Exercise Combined Resolve XIII (USEUCOM-led, with Ukrainian observers)

Date: September-October 2020
Location: Hohenfels Training Area, Germany
Focus: Large-scale combat operations with NATO allies (Ukraine participated as an observer).

Exercise Joint Endeavor 2020

Date: November 2020
Location: Germany (virtual/command-post format due to pandemic)
Participants: Ukraine, NATO members, and partners.
Focus: Crisis response, command & control (C2), and multinational coordination.

Bomber Task Force Missions

On September 4, 2020, U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers entered Ukrainian airspace for the first time, conducting a long flight along the borders of Crimea.
These missions were part of broader U.S.-NATO bomber integration training across Europe, demonstrating U.S. commitment to security in the region and interoperability with NATO and Ukrainian forces.

2021

Exercise Defender-Europe 2021 (May-June 2021)

A large-scale U.S.-led multinational exercise across Europe, involving over 28,000 troops from 26 nations.
Ukraine contributed mechanized units and participated in drills focused on joint maneuvers, logistics, and command operations.
Part of the exercise took place in Yavoriv, Ukraine, at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC), a key training hub for NATO-Ukraine cooperation.

Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 (June-July 2021)

A major naval and air exercise co-hosted by Ukraine and the U.S. in the Black Sea.
Involved 32 ships, 40 aircraft, and 5,000 troops from over 30 countries (including NATO members).
Russia strongly opposed the drills, accusing NATO of escalating tensions in the region.

Exercise Rapid Trident 2021 (September 2021)

An annual U.S.-Ukraine co-led exercise under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program.
Held at Yavoriv Combat Training Center, involving 6,000 troops from 15 countries (including NATO members).
Focused on interoperability, peacekeeping, and defensive operations.

Exercise Cossack Mace 2021 (October-November 2021)

A command-post exercise (CPX) involving Ukrainian forces and NATO allies.
Focused on joint staff planning, crisis response, and hybrid warfare scenarios.

Exercise Joint Endeavor 2021 (November 2021)

A communications and cybersecurity exercise aimed at improving NATO-Ukraine coordination in electronic warfare and secure data exchange.

Additional Engagements

NATO Days in Ukraine 2021: NATO teams visited Ukrainian Armed Forces Institutes, providing presentations and briefings to enhance cooperation and understanding

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