Ukrainian troops complete training by Royal Marines

WARFARE TRAINING CARRIED OUT OVER PAST SIX MONTHS

- DOMINIC MCGRATH

NEARLY 1,000 Ukrainians have completed warfare training over the last six months involving Royal Marines based in the Westcountry.

Plans to train the marines were announced in February during a visit to London by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Since then around 900 Ukrainian marines have completed the course, which has seen British commandos training and instructing on amphibious warfare and inflatable boat beach raids.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The UK has led the way in training the armed force of Ukraine, providing world-leading training in frontline combat skills to more than 20,000 of Ukraine’s army recruits through Operation Interflex. This programme of training, delivered by elite British commandos, will support Ukraine to build its own distinct marine force and expand its capability to operate in a maritime environment.”