Ukrainian soldiers have arrived in Britain to train with local forces
The goal of the training, according to Sergeant Dan Hayes, is to quickly turn civilians into effective soldiers. “All of these guys were truck drivers or worked in quarries or ran shops,” Hayes said.
“I have been with the army for 14 years and it was my decision to join it. These guys are all civilians… and we’re investing everything we can because we know they’re going to need it,” he added.
The first few hundred recruits will undergo training at various locations in Britain, the British Ministry of Defence said.
According to him, this is the initial phase of the program, which aims to train up to 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the handling of weapons, first aid on the battlefield and patrol tactics.
It is part of a broader package of support for Ukraine, which includes the supply of anti-tank weapons, missile systems and other equipment for 2.3 billion pounds (2.7 billion euro).
“Using the world-class expertise of the British military, we will help Ukraine rebuild its forces and increase its ability to defend the country’s sovereignty and the right to choose its future,” said British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
As part of the program, Britain has purchased AK-type assault rifles so that Ukrainians can practice with the weapons they will use at the front.
The UK will also provide soldiers with protective equipment, including helmets, bulletproof vests, eye, ear and pelvis protection, a personal first aid kit, as well as field uniforms and boots.
