UK To Extend Training Mission In Ukraine

The UK's training mission to Ukraine will be extended by three years, the Defence Secretary has announced.

Operation Orbital was established in 2015 following the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

Since the start of the operation, more than 17,500 members of the Ukrainian armed forces have been trained by British personnel.

In September, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace visited the east of Ukraine where he met with UK troops and senior Ukranian military officers.

He said his visit to the Donbas region "made clear not only the costs inflicted by Russian-backed separatists, but also the resolve the Ukrainian Armed Forces have demonstrated in defending their territorial integrity".

Mr Wallace said the announcement means the UK can "continue to make a difference".

In meetings with his Ukranian counterpart, Mr Wallace also underlined the UK's support for Ukraine's "sovereignty and territorial integrity", according to a Ministry of Defence statement.

Last year, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines began training the Ukrainian Navy. 

The training mission will now end in March 2023.

Cover image: Troops training during Operational Orbit in November 2018.