Ukrainian Marines trained by Royal Marines and Army Commandos
During a six-month period in 2023 nearly 1,000 Ukrainian Marines were trained by Royal Marines and Army Commandos. Their training lasted 5 weeks and involved planning and conducting small boat operations and beach raids. They also became familiar with Next Generation light anti-tank weapons, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and explosive demolition techniques. Their instructors were from 42 and 47 commando raiding group, and from 24 Commando engineers and 29 commando Royal Artillery gunners. The training was appreciated by the marines “all the way through. Our British instructors have been beside us showing us how to move and work together in a small team” (MOD press release).
“The UK is leading the way in helping Ukraine to modernise its navy.”
The training is a continuation of the Maritime Training initiative 2020 as part of Operation Orbital, a training mission to Ukraine since 2014 which was suspended due to Covid but has now resumed, along with Operation Interflex. Personnel from Sweden, Canada Denmark and Norway are also providing training in diving, firefighting and damage control. The UK had previously in 2022 trained Ukrainian sailors on the two Sandown class mine hunters which were going to be transferred to the Ukrainian Navy. In April of 2024 the two mine hunters, now part of the Ukrainian Navy arrived in Portsmouth to take part in multi-national naval exercises.
After losing much of its naval capacity during the Russian occupation of Crimea. Ukraine is now building up its fleet to face the challenges of defending her economic interest and navigation rights in the Black Sea. “The UK is leading the way in helping Ukraine to modernise its navy.” (Grant Shapps, Defence Secretary) 11th April 2024).
Wounded chaplains and two fatal injuries
In addition to their battlefield duties the chaplains meet the spiritual and practical needs of the families and conduct religious education with the troops and families. There have been many wounded chaplains and two fatal injuries.
The Right Reverend Kenneth Nowakowski is the Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London. Last year he conducted a field service blessing Ukrainian troops before they returned to Ukraine after training with the UK forces.
It is probable for as long as the war continues, there will be strong links between Ukrainian chaplains and the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre.
