UK Extends Training Scheme For Ukrainian Soldiers

Operation Interflex — the programme set up to train thousands of Ukrainian soldiers in the U.K. — will be extended for at least another 12 months.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed in a recent press statement that the initiative, which had been due to wind up at the end of this year, would now continue until at least the end of 2025 and potentially longer still.

So far at least 45,000 men and women have received instruction on U.K. soil under Operation Interflex since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. Some of those participating in the scheme were already soldiers who have had their skills enhanced; for others, the training has been their first experience of military life.

Those taking part are taught a range of skills including weapons handling, first aid, patrol tactics and rural environment training.

The content of the course has been continuously adapted over time to encompass lessons learned on the frontline of the Russo-Ukraine conflict, said the MoD. It said the decision to extend Operation Interflex was part of the government's continued commitment "to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced the measure last week at the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at the U.S. Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany, a meeting which was also attended by President Zelenskyy and more than 50 other nations.

Earlier that week the Defence Secretary and his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, had held talks both about Operation Interflex and other measures the U.K. is taking to support its European neighbour, including £300 million-worth of artillery ammunition, deliveries of which are set to start to by the end of this year. 

Mr Healey said: "Operation Interflex has provided the brave men and women of Ukraine the vital skills they need to defend their nation in the face of Putin’s illegal invasion."

• You can read further details on the MoD website