The United Kingdom has announced it will extend its training programme for Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel until the end of 2025. Since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion in 2022, the UK
has trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian recruits under Operation Interflex.
Ongoing Commitment to Ukrainian Defence
The UK government reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, pledging to train additional cohorts of Ukrainian men and women to become soldiers on British soil. This decision highlights the UK’s unwavering commitment to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The training operation, which continuously adapts to incorporate frontline lessons from Ukraine, was originally set to conclude this year but will now continue through at least 2025.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced the extension during a Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The gathering, which included President Zelenskyy and representatives from over 50 nations, underscored international solidarity with Ukraine. Healey emphasized that the UK remains steadfast in its support, extending the training programme as part of broader military assistance.
Enhanced Military Aid
In a recent meeting with Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, in London, the UK reaffirmed its plans to increase support, including the delivery of £300 million worth of artillery ammunition by the end of 2023. Additionally, at the UDCG meeting, the UK announced a new £162 million package of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) for Ukraine, further accelerating the supply of vital military equipment.
Healey praised Operation Interflex, stating that the training has equipped Ukrainian recruits with essential skills to defend their country against Russia’s invasion. “This extension reflects our unwavering support for Ukraine,” he said. “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Training the Future Defenders of Ukraine
Delivered at multiple locations across the UK, Operation Interflex provides volunteer Ukrainian recruits, many with little or no military experience, with critical frontline combat training. Over a minimum of five weeks, recruits are taught weapons handling, battlefield first aid, patrol tactics, and receive specialized training for rural combat scenarios. British instructors guide these recruits in becoming combat-ready soldiers capable of defending their homeland.
The programme has also expanded to include advanced training on UK-supplied military equipment, battlefield medicine, and spiritual support, with a recent addition of a two-week course for Ukrainian military chaplains. British Royal Air Force instructors have been instrumental in helping Ukrainian pilots prepare for their transition to flying F16 fighter jets.
International Collaboration
The UK’s efforts are part of a broader international initiative. Countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Australia, and Romania have joined Operation Interflex, offering training and expertise to Ukrainian personnel. This collective effort ensures that Ukraine’s Armed Forces are better prepared for the challenges of modern warfare.
As Ukraine continues to face ongoing attacks, including recent strikes on Poltava and Lviv, the UK remains committed to delivering military support rapidly. From artillery and drones to training on British Challenger II tanks and F16 jets, the UK is steadfast in its mission to provide the necessary skills and equipment to Ukrainian forces.
With a commitment to provide £3 billion of military aid each year, the UK has pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, reaffirming its promise to support the country for as long as it takes. Photo by Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk, Wikimedia commons.