A Ukrainian recruit takes part in training in Durrington, England in November 2022
AFP news agency reported on June 26 that more than 17,000 new soldiers recruited by Ukraine have completed training in the UK and other countries over the past year, to help Kyiv deal with Moscow's special military campaign.
Recruits from different walks of life undergo a gruelling five-week training programme that transforms them "from civilians to soldiers", according to the British Ministry of Defence .
Britain helps train more than 17,000 new Ukrainian soldiers
The UK and nine other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania and the Netherlands, have launched an initiative for volunteers to be recruited by the Armed Forces of Ukraine by June 2022.
The British-led training programme, dubbed Operation Interflex, has taught recruits a range of skills including weapons handling, battlefield first aid and patrolling tactics, with little or no previous military experience.
“The determination and perseverance of recruits from all walks of life in Ukraine to train and fight alongside our British and international forces is something to be proud of,” said UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
He said the UK and international partners would continue to provide this vital support for as long as needed, helping Ukraine counter Russian forces.
Britain initially offered to train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in battlefield skills, based on British basic soldier training. The Ministry of Defence said the programme has now been extended and is on track to train around 30,000 recruits by 2024.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov: "NATO wants to fight, let them fight"
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the training has made a “significant difference to Ukraine's combat effectiveness”.
“The UK Armed Forces maintain close contact with Ukraine to improve and develop training, based on the skills most needed on the battlefield,” the UK Ministry of Defence added.
Source link
Comment (0)