News item | 06-08-2025 | 22:47
More than 56,000 Ukrainians have been trained in the United Kingdom since 2022 to defend their country. The basic skills as a military were taught them by, among others, Dutch soldiers, under the name Operation Interflex. The Netherlands supports Ukraine where possible, so also with the training of soldiers. For Minister Ruben Brekelmans every reason to be personally informed of these training courses today.
“The stories I heard today make a deep impression,” says the minister. “I see it in the eyes of the Ukrainians with whom I spoke to: they fight for their country and put everything at stake. When I speak to these people themselves, it will not let me go. Also for our soldiers it is pretty intense, but very meaningful to be able to train these Ukrainians and their effectiveness and opportunities on the combat. Also to trained soldiers.
Investment in your own safety
Brekelmans continues: “We not only have the moral responsibility to continue our support, it is also an investment in our own safety. I am convinced that Russia is a threat to the whole of Europe, and therefore also for the Netherlands. The stronger Russia is in Ukraine, the greater this threat.”
In trenches and urban areas
At present, almost 90 Dutch army soldiers from 13 Light Brigade are involved in training Ukrainian colleagues who will soon go to the front. The training lasts 7 weeks. The Ukrainians get lessons to bring their shooting skills to the highest possible level. Furthermore, it is about tactical training, weapons leather, lessons in medical care and humanitarian war law. They train in trenches and urban areas. In addition, they learn to deal with explosives and cyber threat. Working under the threat of drones is also an important part of the training.
The minister spoke with instructors and Ukrainian soldiers. The stories about the daily reality in the war zone are moving. Instructors build a bond with the Ukrainians in a short time. From new recruits hearing that previously trained soldiers have now died, they do not sit in the cold clothes.
Brekelmans: “It is incredibly intensive what happens here in seven weeks. This places great responsibility on our soldiers. I am incredibly proud of their professionalism and dedication. Thanks to them, Ukraine can continue to defend themselves and stand up against constant Russian aggression.”
From 5 to 7 weeks
The training program led by the United Kingdom is the largest individual military training mission for Ukrainian soldiers. Since the end of 2022, the Netherlands has been supplying instructors of 13 Light Brigade in particular, but also from the Marine Corps. Since January of this year, the training has been extended from 5 to 7 weeks. In this way the trainers increase the chances of survival at the front.
Operation Interflex is multinational. In addition to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden also contribute.