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Aussie-trained Ukraine troops leave Britain for the war’s front lines

Australian advisers put Ukraine recruits through their paces at the UK training centre. <i>Photo: ADF</i>

Australian advisers put Ukraine recruits through their paces at the UK training centre. Photo: ADF

Almost 200 Ukrainian soldiers have graduated from a UK-led and based training program taught by Australian instructors.

Known as Operation KUDU, the program is a multinational initiative led by the UK to train Ukrainian recruits, many of whom have minimal combat experience.

Since January, around 70 Australian infantry have been in the UK training the Ukrainian recruits in the foundations of combat, including scenarios designed to mimic the battle conditions in Ukraine.

Department of Defence said the Australian instructors taught the Ukrainians weapons handling and firing, wooded and urban fighting, trench warfare and medical survival skills.

No Australian troops will enter Ukraine as part of the program.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the first contingent of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to complete the training had impressed their Australian instructors with their skills and dedication.

‘Answered the call’

“The recruits in this cohort started their journey as ordinary people who lived normal lives much the same as ours, and have since answered the call to defend their country and the freedoms Russia has tried to remove,” he said.

“Australia, the United Kingdom and our international partners will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.”

As the conflict in Ukraine ticks past its first anniversary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for Australia to reopen its embassy in the war-torn country to better support the nation.

Australia has provided nearly $700 million in aid since the war began, the bulk of it in defence material, and is now under pressure to relocate its ambassador to Kyiv in line with other allies.

-AAP

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