Ukrainian soldiers have been trained by NATO forces since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Voice of America visited one of the areas where Ukrainian troops are learning new skills from British, Canadian, and Polish forces.
In this location in Poland, Ukrainian tank crews are learning how to operate German-made tanks from NATO soldiers. This is part of a military aid program funded by the European Union. Ukrainian fighters are being trained by British, Canadian, and Polish troops.
“We work all day using computers, training tank operators one after another. This way, we save fuel, and when the tank operators actually use the equipment, we are sure that they will avoid any mistakes because they have learned on these computers,” said Major General Piotr Fajkowski of the Polish Armed Forces.
The work at this center, near the German border, involves mastering all aspects related to the German Leopard tanks, from driving them to repairing them. In addition, Ukrainian tank crews are being trained to maneuver the vehicle at maximum speed while conducting exercises that involve shooting on specialized training terrains.
Instructors say that when Ukrainian fighters leave Poland, they are fully prepared to use the tank in a real battle.
“The better the troops are trained, the more effective they are on the battlefield. We see that Russia is trying so hard to organize an offensive that they don’t have enough time for proper training. And we are seeing their losses!” said military expert Vaidotas Malinionis.
Ukrainian troops are also being trained in Lithuania, a NATO member state. Both countries share a border with Belarus, a Russian ally. These ongoing training exercises have become much more intensive since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In the past two months, new Ukrainian military recruits have been trained here.
“Some of them have military experience, but there are also those who have little or no basic knowledge. This course serves to train them at approximately the same level,” said Olegas Magas, a Lithuanian Army instructor.
The majority of this training focuses on those soldiers likely to be on the front lines, teaching them how to make quick decisions, remain tactically flexible, and work effectively with NATO forces.
“The main goal of NATO’s armies and NATO as a military force is the standardization of all its branches, so that U.S. forces can work with Lithuanian forces,” said an unidentified Ukrainian soldier, citing security reasons.
Familiarization with NATO procedures is part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s desire for Ukraine to join the alliance. He believes this is a way to ensure lasting peace with Russia. However, President Zelenskyy has also acknowledged that full membership in NATO is not possible as long as the war continues. /VOA
