42,000 Ukrainian troops complete UK training
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced that over 42,000 Ukrainian soldiers have completed basic training in the UK and returned to Ukraine to join the fight against Russian aggression.
This is part of Operation Interflex, which began in June 2022, providing essential military training to Ukrainian forces.
Defence Secretary John Healey spoke of the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine during his recent visit to Odesa. He reiterated the importance of the UK’s support in helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and counter Russian advances.
“Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute, as is our resolve to confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes,” Healey stated during his visit.
The training programme has been crucial in equipping Ukrainian soldiers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively operate on the battlefield. This initiative is part of the broader UK-led effort to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, highlighted the impact of the training: “The recent milestone of 500,000 Russians killed or wounded is a reminder of how badly this war has gone for Russia. Over the past year, with British help, Ukraine has driven the Russian fleet from Crimea and reopened the Black Sea for exports.”
He continued, “The battle on land is much tougher, but Ukraine’s future as a sovereign nation is not in doubt. A free and democratic Ukraine, full of promise and hope, stands in jarring contrast to Russia’s trajectory of contraction and decline, and an increasingly authoritarian future under Putin.”
The UK’s training efforts are complemented by substantial military aid, including modern Western battle tanks, long-range precision-guided missiles, and other critical equipment.
