On Boats and Raids: About 900 UKrainian Marines Completed Training in UK
Nearly 900 Ukrainian marines have completed training in the United Kingdom to conduct small boat amphibious operations, including beach raids.
According to the British Ministry of Defence, the marines were trained by Royal Marines and Army Commandos, during a six-month UK programme supported by international partners.
This training was the same programme that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the UK.
The training has seen British Commandos training Ukraine's forces in small boat amphibious operations – conducting beach raids using inflatable boats. It is the first programme of amphibious training delivered by the UK to Ukraine.
"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," said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
Each training cohort underwent a rigorous five-week programme, developing individual skills including fieldcraft, battlefield first aid, close quarters combat, and fitness, and unit planning in realistic scenarios. The training will further support Ukraine's capability to develop its own marine force and develop an international training concept for marines.
The training culminated with the Ukrainian marines planning and conducting raids by both day and night.
Among the participants were many former civilians without prior military experience, as well as fighters with combat experience from other branches of the military.
Instructors from the Netherlands Marine Corps were also part of the training programme.
Overall, since early 2022, more than 20,000 Ukrainians have undergone training in the UK as part of this programme backed by various allies.
In early 2023, the UK promised to continue the programme and train an additional 20,000 fighters.
Previously, the General Staff had shared photos from training in the UK, where Ukrainian military personnel practiced firing NLAW rockets.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian border guards underwent a canine training course in Spain.