BAGHDAD - Ukraine will pull out nearly 40 percent of its some 1,400 soldiers from Iraq by mid-May, according to Polish forces which oversee the sector where the Ukrainians are deployed. "Today, the rotation of Ukrainian contingent is starting. The rotation will be last from April 15 to May 12," said a statement from the Polish forces. "The Ukrainian contingent consists of 1,462 soldiers now. After the rotation it will comprise 900 people."
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko signed a decree on Wednesday formalising the planned withdrawal of his country's troops from Iraq by year's end. The first batch of troops returned to Ukraine on March 15.
Adding to the pressure on the US-led forces in Iraq, Poland plans to withdraw its 1,700-strong contingent by the end of the year and Bulgaria is considering doing the same with its 462 soldiers, while Italy may cut its troop level in September.
| Pressure? These troops are vacating the parts of Iraq that are among the most secure; they'll be replaced by improving Iraqi troops and police, and last and certainly not least, they did the job they came to do. They stayed longer than they originally planned, and they leave with their heads held high. Troops: thank you! |
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