Ukraine embarks on military reforms

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KIEV, Ukraine, July 16 (UPI) -- Military reforms under way in Ukraine are aimed at modeling the security apparatus after the Europeans', a deputy security official said Monday.

Ukrainian Vice Adm. Ihor Kabanenko said there was a "misbalance" in the Ukrainian military between those that support the force and those that conduct combat operations.

"The goal (of reform) is to create in Ukraine a modern European-like armed forces, small in numbers but well-trained, properly supported, mobile and professional," he was quoted by Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti as saying.

Kiev announced Monday it was planning to join international anti-piracy operations in 2013.

European leaders have expressed reluctance to embrace Kiev fully in part because of the fallout from the detention of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Her supporters and political allies have expressed concern about the political system in Ukraine.

Tymoshenko was convicted on charges she abused her authority in a 2009 gas deal with Russia's Gazprom. She was sentenced to seven years in prison.