REPRIEVE FOR AIRBORNE DIVISIONS.

Russia’s Airborne Forces will be pared down to 48,500 troops by the end of the year as previously announced, but all five divisions will be retained. Defense Minister Igor Rodionov’s original reduction directive called for the elimination of two of the divisions. A spokesman for the airborne troops staff described the change as a concession to the leadership of the paratroopers. (Interfax, December 15)

Kuchma Criticizes Ukrainian Armed Forces.