The UK begins training Ukrainian troops
British Secretary of Defense Minister Ben Wallace announced that the first rotation of Ukrainian service members had arrived in the UK
Rubryka reports, citing the website of the British Parliament.
They note that Ukrainian defenders will soon begin military exercises.
Ben Wallace revealed to the House of Representatives the details of the UK-led training program for the Ukrainian armed forces announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his recent visit to Kyiv.
In response to russia's invasion of Ukraine, the British government provides Ukraine with 2.3 billion pounds of military aid.
It includes a commitment to lead an innovative program to train up to 10,000 Ukrainian recruits in the UK.
"The first rotation of Ukrainian soldiers has recently arrived in the UK. Training will take place on military training areas across the North East, South West, and South East regions.
The training will be conducted by elements from 11 Security Force Assistance Brigade.
These Ukrainian soldiers will undertake courses based on the UK's basic soldier training. This includes weapons training, battlefield first aid, fieldcraft, patrol tactics, and training on the Law of Armed Conflict.
Each course will last several weeks," the website of the British Parliament reported.
Wallace noted that the UK was keen to increase the scale and frequency of these courses "in line with Ukrainian requirements."
The British government is also discussing with international partners options to expand participation in the training program, working constructively with countries prepared to support either by contributing trainers or providing equipment.
The Secretary of Defense expects "the training package to evolve over time."
"I will keep Parliament informed of the outcomes of these initial courses and any plans to increase the programme's scale or scope," Wallace said.
Ben Wallace stressed that this activity was a priority for the Ministry of Defense as part of the UK's unwavering efforts to support the capability of the Ukrainian armed forces and demonstrated continued UK leadership in responding to russia's war of aggression.
"I can reassure the House that the Ministry of Defence has received strong support from across Government for the non-military provisions required to support such a significant training programme," he added.
The training activities are being made public, but some details will remain confidential for security reasons.
In April, Boris Johnson announced that dozens of Ukrainian soldiers are learning to drive British armored vehicles in Great Britain.
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