The UK and Ukrainian forces are set to collaborate to refine the UK’s training of Ukrainian troops to enhance the country’s defense. Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the matter during a phone call on Monday. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of ensuring that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position going into 2025, as their “Western allies are united” in their determination to support the country.
Recent reports suggest that the Ministry of Defence is considering sending British troops to Ukraine to help train the country’s armed forces. Since 2022, the UK has been training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, with a team of British Army medics also providing training inside the country. However, no troops have been sent to Ukraine or a no-fly zone imposed over the country by Nato members, due to the risk of being pulled into direct conflict with Russia. Nevertheless, Nato member countries have been sending arms and equipment to aid the Ukrainian cause.
The Downing Street confirmed the discussions of the two leaders and cited the importance of Operation Interflex. More than 45,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been trained on British soil since the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine. The pair plans to further refine the training program to strengthen Ukraine’s ability on the battlefield. Downing Street reiterated that the coming weeks and months are of great importance to Europe and Nato. The leaders also discussed the urgent need to ensure that the ambitions of Russian President Vladimir Putin fail in Ukraine.
Zelensky took to social media to thank Sir Keir and the British people for their continued support, stating that it has saved Ukrainian lives. The phone call followed Sir Keir Starmer’s recent attendance at a summit of the Joint Expeditionary Force in Estonia. The group is composed of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. The leaders discussed the furtherance of sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet that they use for exporting oil, the acceleration of lethal aid and support for the Ukrainian defense industrial sector. The importance of matching words with action was also highlighted
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