KYIV. July 30 (Interfax-AVN) - A first stage of rotation began on Tuesday in the UkrPolbat Ukrainian-Polish battalion that is carrying out peacekeeping missions within Multinational Brigade East in Kosovo, an official of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry press service told Interfax-Military News Agency.
"A convoy comprising 48 peacekeepers and 16 combat vehicles left for the town of Mukachevo from the Yavorovo joint-arms proving range subordinate to the Ukrainian Western operational command," the official said.
Upon reaching Mukachevo, the servicemen and vehicles will be loaded on cars and delivered to the Leskovac village by railway. They will subsequently head for the Brezovica village, which is UkrPolbat's stationing area.
A TU-154 Careless plane will deliver 153 more peacekeepers from Ukraine to Kosovo on Thursday.
The second stage of the rotation is planned for August 8 when 139 servicemen will be transported to Kosovo.
The UkrPolbat battalion has been accomplishing peacekeeping missions within Multinational Brigade East in Kosovo since September 1, 1999. 327 Ukrainian peacekeepers control movement of population, transportation of arms, explosives and drugs, escort children to schools, guard churches and public places.