The UK military strategy is being re-evaluated and could lead to the first British instructors operating in Ukraine since the Russian invasion.
The Times reported that British military leaders were considering sending troops to Ukraine in order to train new soldiers “in secluded” areas. This could mean shifting some training operations away from the UK and onto Ukrainian soil.
This move is intended to support Kyiv in its recruitment efforts and to address logistical issues. According to sources familiarized with the discussions, a plan is being discussed to send small groups of British military instructors to western Ukraine.
The Times reported that a UK defense official said, “We could do the training faster out there and it would be far away from front line, in secluded areas, so the risk would be lower.”
The proposal is part the UK’s effort to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Since the beginning of the war, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers received training in the UK under Operation Interflex. This is a British-led multilateral military operation.
The UK Defense Secretary John Healey recently acknowledged the “biggest constraints” in training Ukrainians, which is “Ukraine supplying the personnel to be taught”. According to reports the proposed shift to in country training could address this problem.
A Ukrainian military source highlighted that such a move would send a powerful military-political message to other nations, including Russia.
Sources said that the deployment would be “de facto”, and NATO’s military infrastructure would be deployed back in Ukraine. This would serve as a powerful deterrent.
The Times reports that the UK Ministry of Defence has also discussed this potential shift in strategy. A UK defense source said that the move would be more cost-effective, efficient and “better for them and cheaper for us.”
The proposal is in line with similar discussions that have taken place in other European countries. France, for example, has been exploring the possibilities of assembling a group of European nations willing send military trainers into Ukraine.
During his recent visit to London, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir starmer on 10 October to discuss the ongoing support for Ukraine. Mark Rutte was also in attendance and expressed his support for the use long-range weapons within Ukraine. He said it would be “legally solid” but that ultimately, “it is up to allies to give permission”.
The UK has reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as they signed a 10-year security agreement with Kyiv.
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