The Swedish Government has decided that the Swedish Armed Forces will send instructors to the UK to give Ukrainian citizens basic military training to enable them to serve in Ukraine’s armed forces. The aim is to make it possible for Ukraine to maintain and strengthen its defence capabilities, the Government has said on its website.
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.
"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 defence capabilities," says Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist.
In total, approximately 10 000 Ukrainian citizens are expected take part in the training programme 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.
The Swedish part of the training programme will begin as soon as it is practically possible.