Britain may send military instructors to western Ukraine to train recruits

A proposed shift in UK military strategy could see British instructors operating on Ukrainian soil for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Oct 10, 2024 - 21:00

Britain may send military instructors to western Ukraine to train recruits

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British military leaders are considering deploying troops to Ukraine to train new soldiers in “secluded” areas, potentially shifting some training operations from the UK to Ukrainian soil, The Times reported on 10 October.

This move aims to support Kyiv’s recruitment efforts and address logistical challenges. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the plan involves sending small groups of British military trainers to western Ukraine.

“We could do [the training] quicker out there, and it would be very far away from the front line, in secluded locations, so that the risk would be much lower,” a UK defense source told The Times.

The proposal is part of the UK’s efforts to support Ukraine’s war against Russia. Under Operation Interflex, a British-led multinational military operation, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have already received training in the UK since the start of the war.

The UK defense secretary John Healey recently acknowledged that the “biggest constraint” in training Ukrainians was “Ukraine providing the personnel to be trained.” According to reports, the proposed shift to in-country training could address this issue.

A Ukrainian military source highlighted the strategic importance of such a move, saying it would send a “powerful military-political signal” to other nations and Russia.

The source added that it would begin a “de facto” deployment of NATO’s military infrastructure back inside Ukraine and serve as a “powerful deterrent.”

The Times reports that discussions about this potential shift in training strategy have also occurred within the UK Ministry of Defence. The move is seen as potentially more cost-effective and efficient, with a UK defense source noting it would be “cheaper for us and better for them.”

The proposal aligns with similar discussions in other European countries. France, for instance, has been exploring the possibility of assembling a coalition of European nations willing to send military trainers to Ukraine.

During a recent visit to London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on 10 October with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine. NATO’s new secretary-general, Mark Rutte, was also present and expressed support for the use of long-range weapons inside Ukraine, saying it would be “legally sound” but ultimately “up to allies” to give permission.

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