Nearly 1,000 Ukrainian marines complete UK training course

Plans to train the marines were announced in February during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s surprise visit to London.

Ukrainian marines being trained in the UK before nearly 1,000 return home after a six-month training period with British forces (Ministry of Defence/PA) (PA Media)

Nearly 1,000 Ukrainian marines will soon return home, after a six-month training period with British forces.

Plans to train the marines were announced in February during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s surprise visit to London.

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

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

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace

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.”

The marines received training across a range of areas, including in the use of anti-tank weapons, ant-aircraft missiles and the use of mortars and drones.

The Ministry of Defence said many of the Ukrainian trainees were civilian volunteers who had no previous military experience.

Others were transferred from sections of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Over 20,000 Ukrainian recruits have already received training in the UK since the start of the war.