Nearly 1,000 Ukrainian marines to return home after ‘intense’ training from elite UK commandos

Almost 1,000 Ukrainian marines are set to return home after more than six months of “intense” training by the Royal Marines and Army Commandos.

They were trained in amphibious landings – using inflatable boats to conduct beach raids – and will now head to the frontline.

The training was announced by Rishi Sunak during a visit in February by Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, and this is the first time amphibious training has been delivered to Ukrainian forces.

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The commandos were trained the use of Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapons (NLAW) and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles – as well as the use of mortars and drones for reconnaissance, and explosive demolition of obstacles such as Dragon’s Teeth anti-vehicle fortifications.

Although some of the Ukrainian trainees already had experience in the armed forces or on the frontline, many are civilian volunteers with no military background.

One of the recently trained Ukrainian marines said the course from the Royal Marines was “far more intense that I expected”, and added: “All the way through, our British instructors have been beside us, showing us how to move and how to work together in a small team – this will make a difference when we return home to Ukraine.”

Over 20,000 Ukrainians have received training from the UK so far, and the British government committed to training 20,000 more at the start of 2023.

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.”