About 250 Ukrainian peacekeepers depart to Congo as part of UN Mission. PHOTOS

The ceremony of sending the UN Mission helicopter detachment to stabilize situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been held on the Army Aviation Brigade of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine base located in the Lviv region.

Censor.NET reports, citing the statement by the press service of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine.

About 250 Ukrainian peacekeepers will be fulfilling missions in the African country over the year.

Army Aviation of the Land Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Chief Major-General Valentyn Pistriuha has wished the soldiers to courageously and professionally perform their duties on the African continent.

"The gang war is underway in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It poses threat to our pilots and personnel almost every day. In this regard, it is critical that all the military personnel have experience in an anti-terrorist operation," he said.

All servicemen departing to the Democratic Republic of the Congo have successfully completed combat coordination in the Kherson region within three weeks.

Besides tests in joint military subjects, the soldiers have passed English language assessment and undergone special training.