British officer cadets will now have the opportunity to travel to Ukraine for firsthand combat training. This decision comes as part of a broader effort by the UK to support Ukraine’s military capabilities and deepen the partnership between the two nations in the ongoing war against Russia.
Under this new arrangement, Ukrainian officer cadets will be trained at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, which will help build Ukraine’s future military leadership. In return, British officer cadets will be able to attend Ukrainian training colleges and gain direct experience of the realities on the frontlines of the war with Russia. This immersive training will allow them to learn from the Ukrainian Armed Forces about the challenges they face in battle, providing invaluable insights into combat tactics, resilience, and strategy in an active war zone.
The announcement was made following a meeting between UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the talks, Starmer assured President Zelenskyy that the UK’s support in training Ukrainian forces will remain flexible, with all options being considered for the coming year. The UK government is also collaborating with international allies to develop a training plan that will ensure Ukraine is as well-prepared as possible for the challenges ahead in 2025.
In addition to the training initiative, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that the UK is prepared to play a full role in any peacekeeping efforts that may arise in Ukraine, although he acknowledged that such a scenario is not expected in the near future. This commitment comes as part of the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine, which has included military, economic, and humanitarian assistance throughout the war with Russia.
This move follows the signing of a landmark agreement between the UK and Ukraine on January 16, 2025, which solidifies a 100-year partnership between the two countries. The agreement is set to foster strong ties in areas such as trade, security, defence, science, technology, education, and culture.
