The Netherlands has confirmed its continued training support for Ukrainian armed forces amidst their conflict with Russia, Netherlands Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced.
The support will focus on the British-led Operation Interflex, a large-scale military training program including 10,000 new and experienced soldiers.
“The cabinet considers it of great importance to continue to provide active support to the reinforcement of the Ukrainian armed forces as long as the war continues,” Ollongren said.
“The aim is to strengthen and modernize the Ukrainian armed forces through this large-scale training so that they can defend themselves against Russian aggression.”
Military Training in UK
According to the defense ministry, around 90 instructors from the Dutch military were deployed to the UK to work alongside trainers from Denmark, Finland, Canada, New Zealand, and Sweden.
The Royal Netherlands Army sent the Oirschot-based 13 Light Brigade to support recruits in training sessions such as explosives handling, weapons training, and battlefield medical care.
Ukrainian troops also receive training on humanitarian law of war and cyber threat countermeasures in addition to tactical training.
Meanwhile, officers from the Dutch military were also deployed to join the British staff organizing Operation Interflex.
“Normally, such training takes several months. It is therefore very intensive, both for the participants and our trainers, who are busy from early in the morning until late at night,” Ollongren explained.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure that the recruits return as well prepared as possible.”
“That also requires a lot of effort from our soldiers, who have to train these often young men from recruit to soldier.”
Additional Training Next Year
Following this year’s training, the next session of Operation Interflex will be held from January to March 2023.
The Netherlands affirmed it would send its marine corps to train two additional cohorts of Ukrainian warfighters next.
“It is extremely important that we continue to support Ukraine after the Russian invasion, with both equipment and training,” Ollngren said.
“Here I see how motivated everyone is. The conversations with the Ukrainian participants have certainly touched me deeply.”
“Their determination to defend their country is not only expressed in words, but you can see it in their eyes.”