Starmer praises Ukrainian resilience during UK military base visit

This was reported by Sky News

Starmer addressed British, New Zealand, and Ukrainian troops at the military base in western England.

He highlighted the "resilience of Ukrainians" and thanked them for coming to the United Kingdom for further training.

"This is the second time I've come to see this training for the frontline in Ukraine and, just as with the first time, I find it incredibly humbling," he said.

Starmer was accompanied by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who joined in marking the deepening defense partnership between the two countries.

Luxon also praised the Ukrainian troops, calling them "deeply inspirational" and "heroes".

He emphasized that Ukrainians are fighting in "aincredibly unjust, illegal and immoral war started by Russia"

In Europe, Ukrainian troops are primarily trained within two programs – Interflex, led by the UK, and the EU's EUMAM initiative.

The Interflex operation was launched in the fall of 2022, involving over 10 countries providing training for Ukrainian soldiers in the UK.

• As of November 2024, 50,000 Ukrainian military personnel have completed training within the operation.