Tri-Service

Fallon Pledges More Support To Train Ukranian Forces

British troops will train Ukrainian forces in techniques to detect bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as part of an expanded programme of support, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced.

The training mission will also share British expertise in urban defensive operations, planning and engineering.

Mr Fallon, who was in Kiev for talks with the country's leadership, said the training would improve the "resilience" of Ukrainian forces involved in fighting with Russian-backed separatists.

Although the scope of the training on offer is set to expand, the number of British personnel in Ukraine will remain at 75, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

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The intensity of the programme has increased in recent months, with around 1,000 troops given medical, infantry, logistics and tactical intelligence training since March.

Mr Fallon said: "Our training programme for the Ukrainian armed forces continues to be well-received and highly valued by troops and commanders in the east of the country.

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"Since March, 13 UK training teams have deployed across eight locations and we expect to have trained around 2,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the end of the year.

"By adding further much-needed skills and stepping up the pace of our programme we can provide more and better training, improving the resilience of Ukrainian forces and further reducing casualties resulting from the on-going conflict."

Mr Fallon visited a training site where UK personnel are working with the Ukrainians and saw demonstrations of the infantry and medical skills being provided.

The Defence Secretary also discussed the situation in Ukraine with the country's prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and called on all sides to respect the terms of the Minsk ceasefire.