Operation Interflex: UK, 12 partner countries train over 40,000 Ukrainian infantry soldiers in two years

This was reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.

According to the commander of Operation Interflex, British Army Colonel James Thurstan, this is the largest training program in the UK since World War II. 

"Operation Interflex is a training program for the Ukrainian military in accordance with the best standards of the Royal Armed Forces of Great Britain and taking into account the specific and effective battlefield traditions of each of the countries participating in the training mission," the statement said.

The program is targeted at Ukrainian recruits with little or no military experience and aims to build and develop the basic skills and capabilities necessary for survival and combat effectiveness. 

Over the course of 5 weeks, students master weapon handling and shooting, learn tactics, patrolling, combat in urbanized areas and urban environments, position clearing, explosives handling and demining, first aid, International Humanitarian Law, laws and customs of war, etc.

Over the past 2 years, the UK, with the support of 12 partner nations, has trained more than 40,000 servicemen and servicewomen of the Ukrainian Defense Forces under the Interflex program. 

"For me, this is an opportunity to help Ukraine win the war. It is unacceptable for our country to leave Ukraine alone! Glory to Ukraine! We stand with Ukraine!" said Captain Robert De Wolf of the Netherlands Armed Forces.

The Danish army major emphasized that the country plans to continue the operation.

"Denmark has shown a great desire to support Ukraine, so we intend to continue this operation in 2024 and 2025. This operation means a lot to me, because it really helps to increase the endurance, the ability to survive and the will of Ukrainians to win. Denmark is with Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!" added Danish Army Major Henrik.

Captain of the Estonian Defense Forces emphasized that support for Ukraine will not end.

"We will support Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression because we know what it is like to fight a bigger enemy. We will always support Ukraine!" noted Captain Lauri Maepalu of the Estonian Defense Forces.

• On June 21, it was reported that over 52,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been trained as part of the EU mission EUMAM since 2022, which is three times higher than expected.