On 19 October 2015, the official opening ceremony of the aircraft phase of NATO training «Trident Juncture» was held at the Trapani air force base in Italy. Ukraine was represented by Head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO ad interim Yehor Bozhok and Military Representative of Ukraine to NATO Anatolii Petrenko.
The purpose of the exercise «Trident Juncture» is to test the ability of NATO and its partners to work together during current operations. 36000 soldiers, 140 planes and 60 ships from more than 30 member countries and partner countries, including Ukraine, are going to participate in the training.
NATO Deputy Secretary General A.Vershbow in his openning remarks has stressed that training «Trident Juncture» will demonstrate that Alliance is ready to defend all its allies against any threats. This applies to both the use of conventional military engagements and more subtle hybrid warfare techniques and propaganda.