During a visit to observe firsthand how Britain continues to support his nation, the deputy minister of defence of Ukraine saw soldiers and sailors undergoing training there.
In order to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s illegitimate invasion, the UK has taken the lead.
In addition to giving more military hardware than any other nation outside the US, the UK has also started a programme to train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
In order to determine what further help is necessary to satisfy the demands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Volodymyr Havrylov met with UK Armed Forces Minister James Heappey and paid lawmakers a visit.
Prior to the sale of two Sandown Class Minehunter vessels in a deal reached last year under the Ukrainian Naval Capabilities Enhancement Program, both ministers next travelled to Scotland, where Ukrainian sailors are being trained by the Royal Navy to operate such vessels (UNCEP).
Ministers Havrylov and Heappey interacted with trainees and Royal Navy instructors while watching them practise crucial maritime competencies including damage control and weapon drills while learning to use the equipment on the ships.
James Heappey, the minister of the armed forces, observed that the Ukrainian sailors and soldiers are practising with incredible rigour.
They work with the concentration of soldiers who are aware that they will be fighting in a war in a matter of weeks.
It is difficult to provide instruction that is this intense and focused. The Royal Navy and the British Army are putting in long hours and utilising all of their operational expertise to ensure that their new Ukrainian comrades are given the best possible chance of winning when they are ordered into battle.
I witnessed the camaraderie of Ukrainian and British soldiers cooperating to advance the fighting prowess of the Ukrainian army, according to deputy defence minister Volodymyr Havrylov.
We are extremely appreciative to the British government and people for their crucial assistance in helping Ukraine successfully fend off Russian aggressors.
The two ministers also went to one of the facilities where Ukrainian soldiers are receiving training in crucial combat abilities as part of a significant new military initiative spearheaded by the UK.
The initiative, which is taking place at military facilities throughout the North West, South West, and South East of the UK, involves more than 1,000 UK service members.
Each class will last for a number of weeks and be taught by members of the 11 Security Force Assistance Brigade.
Volunteer recruits will receive the training necessary to be effective in frontline combat despite having little prior military experience.
The school covers weapon handling, battlefield first aid, fieldcraft, patrol tactics, and the Law of Armed Conflict and is based on the UK’s basic soldier training.
The deputy defence minister of Ukraine paid a visit during the same week that Ben Wallace, the secretary of defence, announced intentions to send Ukraine dozens of artillery pieces, hundreds of drones, and anti-tank weapons over the next few weeks.