Ukrainian peacekeeping units have been carrying out their mission in Kosovo since September 1, 1999. At least 180 Ukrainian servicemen from UkrPolBat of NATO-led KFOR's East multinational tactical group conduct regular rotations every year.
"A Boeing-737 plane with 98 peacekeepers on board flew this morning from Boryspil airport in Kiev to Pristina," the statement said.
During the second stage of the rotation, which is scheduled for April 14, another 80 peacekeepers from the UkrPolBat will be transported to Kosovo.
Three peacekeepers will arrive in Kosovo on April 4 on board a cargo plane, which will bring fresh supplies and equipment for the Ukrainian contingent.
Ukraine has also deployed 150 policemen as part of the UNMIK police force in Kosovo.
Over 20 Ukrainian policemen from this contingent were wounded and one later died in hospital following clashes in the Serb-dominated area of Mitrovica on March 17, when UN police and KFOR troops launched an operation to regain control of a UN court building seized last week by ethnic Serbs.
The Ukrainian opposition later demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian peacekeepers from Kosovo and the defense minister's resignation over the Mitrovica incident.
