LVIV, September 15. /ITAR-TASS/. International military exercises, Rapid Trident 2014, have started in Ukraine, the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s western regional media centre, Alexander Poronyuk, told ITAR-TASS on Monday.

“The exercises have begun officially a few minutes ago. The flags of Ukraine and the United States, as the main long-time partner in exercises, have been raised. The weather is wonderful, as well as all the participants’ mood,” Poronyuk said.

The spokesman added exercises to provide humanitarian aid were planned for the end of the week.

The manoeuvres will take place on the Yavoriv training ground in the Lviv region, western Ukraine, from September 15 to 26 with the participation of about 1,300 servicemen from 15 countries.

According to the United States European Command, aside from Ukraine and the United States, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Spain and other countries participate in the exercises.

The troops are planned to have a week of situational exercises, deactivate homemade explosive devices and conduct escorting and patrolling operations.