Operation INTERFLEX to continue
Britain has confirmed its military training of Ukrainian soldiers will run through to the end of 2026, in a move announced on Ukraine’s Independence Day.
The extension of Operation INTERFLEX is part of the UK’s commitment to strengthen Kyiv’s defences against Russia’s invasion and prepare its armed forces for the long-term challenge of deterring future aggression.
Over 50,000 trained already
More than 50,000 Ukrainian recruits have been trained on British soil under the scheme, making it one of the largest training programmes of its kind worldwide. Thirteen allied nations are also contributing, with the UK leading the coalition. Courses have developed from basic five-week infantry training to more advanced seven-week programmes, now including leadership and instructor development. This shift aims to equip a new generation of Ukrainian commanders and trainers, ensuring skills can be expanded at home.
Boosting frontline capability
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said the UK would “continue to step up our support so Ukraine can defend today and deter tomorrow”. He stressed that a secure Ukraine means a secure Europe, with lessons learned from the battlefield strengthening British capabilities too. Recent surveys show 83% of Ukrainian recruits on leadership courses felt better prepared to keep their soldiers alive, while 93% said they were more confident in leading lethal and effective units.
Heavy Russian losses
Open-source assessments suggest Ukraine, backed by international partners, has inflicted severe losses on Moscow’s forces. Russia has lost more than 4,000 tanks since the full-scale invasion began, compared with about 1,250 Ukrainian losses. Analysts also report Russia has lost more than twice as many armoured vehicles as Ukraine.
Celebration and solidarity
Nearly 2,000 Ukrainian recruits and British personnel joined Independence Day events at an INTERFLEX training site in England, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations. Ukrainian soldier Artem, currently on a platoon command course, praised the UK’s “professionalism and dedication”, adding that training in realistic battlefield conditions was strengthening confidence and survival skills.
Wider support for Kyiv
The UK is spending £4.5 billion on military aid for Ukraine this year, the largest amount to date. This includes a £1.6 billion deal for air defence missiles, creating hundreds of British jobs, and a £350 million investment to scale up drone deliveries from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025.
Meanwhile, London and Paris are leading a Coalition of the Willing, working with 30 countries on plans for a multinational force that could support Ukraine under a potential peace deal. British ministers say ongoing training, equipment supplies and industrial collaboration all contribute to the broader strategy of ensuring Ukraine emerges from war stronger and more secure.
