UK providing war zone training to Ukrainian soldiers

British special forces are providing training to Ukrainian soldiers in the war zone for the first time since Russia launched its invasion, according to a report by The Times, citing military commanders in Ukraine.

Officers from two Ukrainian battalions said that they had undergone military training, particularly in the use of British-supplied anti-tank missiles.

The UK has supplied 3,600 units of its Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapons (NLAWs) to Kyiv since February. The weapon has been used to destroy Russian military assets, including an armored vehicle in the city of Irpin.

British soldiers have also trained Ukrainian soldiers in counter-sniper techniques, defending against heavy artillery, and fighting in urban areas.

“British officers were here two weeks ago in our unit and they trained us really good,” Captain Yuriy Myronenko told The Times UK. “And because we have had successes, we have self-confidence now.”

Military trainers from the UK were first sent to Ukraine after the invasion of Crimea in 2014. However, they were withdrawn in February to prevent direct conflict with Russian forces.

In addition to special forces, former British soldiers and marines are also reportedly in Ukraine working as training contractors and volunteers.