Sweden to train Ukrainian soldiers in Britain

The Swedish army will send up to 120 instructors to the United Kingdom to train the Ukrainian military.

That's according to a statement posted on the website of the Ministry of Defense of Sweden, Ukrinform reports.

"Between 12 August and 31 December 2022, the Swedish Armed Forces will send up to 120 instructors to the UK to conduct basic military training for Ukrainian citizens, divided into several training courses," the report said.

According to the ministry, the initiative to offer basic military training to Ukrainian citizens comes from the UK – the country has invited other partner nations in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and Canada to contribute. "The Government has now decided that Sweden will contribute by training Ukrainian soldiers," the ministry said.

In total, approximately 10,000 Ukrainian citizens are expected take part in the training program in the UK. A maximum of 60 Swedish instructors will be in the UK simultaneously – this is not expected to have any significant impact on the Swedish Armed Forces' other activities.

"Russia's war against Ukraine has been going on for over five months, and it's immensely important that the rest of the world continues to support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and self-determination. It's important that Sweden is part of these efforts, and the Swedish instructors will contribute to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities," said Sweden's Minister for Defense Peter Hultqvist.