The defense ministers of Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine signed a letter of intent last week regarding the establishment of a joint military unit.

The unit, descriptively titled the “LITPOLUKRBRIG,” was a Polish initiative intended to improve ties between the Ukrainian army and its NATO peers.

“I’m greatly satisfied that this document has been signed. I’m happy that this idea, which I conceived of, is beginning to materialize,” Defense Minister Klich, who did not attend the signing, said in a statement.

The brigade is expected to number 4,500 soldiers and will be stationed in Lublin. Initial operational readiness should be achieved in 2011, with full readiness planned for 2013.
That the agreement was signed just days before a Russia-EU summit raised a few eyebrows. The Kremlin has long been vocal in its objections to the idea of Ukraine becoming a member of NATO. Ukraine is a candidate for membership in the alliance, but has not been offered a membership action plan.

The future of LITPOLUKRBRIG is not assured, however, as Ukraine’s January presidential election could shift the balance of the country’s political allegiance towards Russia.

“If pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovych becomes president, there could be problems with the project,” former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk told Gazeta Wyborcza. “But if current Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko [is elected], it will be continued.”