New Delhi: The British Army has begun training Ukrainian military dog handlers in new skills to help Ukraine better protect its soldiers and civilians from unexploded ordnance and illegal weapons, a UK government release stated.
The training is part of Operation Interflex, which has already trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian personnel since Russia invaded its country in 2022. This is the second wave of training the UK offers to Ukrainian border guards and their working dogs.
The three-week training program includes combat operations and explosive device searches. It is designed to improve the skills of Ukrainian military dog handlers and their dogs by acclimatizing them to the sights, sounds, and smells of the battlefield. This will allow them to work more safely and efficiently alongside their handlers. The training is offered by the 1st Military Working Dog (MWD) Regiment, the release stated.
This training program clearly indicates the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. Since Russia’s illegal invasion, the UK has extended £7.6 billion in military assistance and has committed an additional £3 billion for military support from 2024 to 2025. Last week, the Defence Secretary confirmed the execution of a £300 million contract to bolster Ukraine’s air defences by supplying thousands of shells.