British Regiment Helps Train Ukrainian Fighters

A mixture of raw Ukrainian recruits and more seasoned fighters have been given training by British soldiers.

Troops from 18 Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) spent five weeks helping to train 116 Ukrainian soldiers in a Basic Infantry Course. British Army Reservists and soldiers from the Estonian Army teamed up with RG personnel to deliver the course, which taught participants key skills for both trench warfare and rural fighting scenarios.

Those on the course also learned a range of other techniques including how to counter explosive ordnance, weapon handling, field craft and medical skills.

The training is part of a wider British-led multinational military operation to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU); so far more than 30,000 Ukrainians have benefited from the U.K.-based initiative.

A spokesman for the Royal Gibraltar Regiment said: “This collective effort reflects the spirit of international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and professional development, to enhance the capabilities and readiness of the AFU. They were accompanied by the AFU command team who aided in administrating and disciplining the recruits – most of whom had combat experience."

They added: “As the course progressed, it was incredibly satisfying to witness the transformation in these soldiers... This training provides the AFU with the skills and experience to improve their survivability and lethality on the frontline in Ukraine."

Read more on this story on the MoD Strategic Command blog