Ukraine begins Iraq pullout

BAGHDAD, March 12 (UPI) -- Ukraine began Saturday the phased pullout of its 1,650 troops, the sixth largest in the U.S.-led coalition, from Iraq, CNN reported.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said 150 troops left Iraq Saturday, starting the pullout ordered by President Viktor Yushchenko. The ministry said the pullout is expected to be completed by October.

Former President Leonid Kuchma made the decision to send troops to Iraq in what was widely considered an effort to repair relations with the United States after Kuchma allegedly approved the sale of military equipment to Saddam Hussein in violation of U.N. sanctions.

The war was deeply unpopular among the Ukrainian people, CNN said. Ukraine has lost 17 soldiers in Iraq.