It's humbling to watch UK troops training Ukrainians on Interflex, says Starmer

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said it is "incredibly humbling" to witness British personnel training Ukrainian troops under Operation Interflex.

He was speaking during a visit to a UK military base at an undisclosed location where he was joined by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Both leaders observed training activities and met personnel from their countries working together on the UK-led programme.

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"This is the second time I've come to see this training for the frontline in Ukraine, and just as with the first time, I find it incredibly humbling to see the training that is being done here," he said.

"The number of countries that are coming together, including obviously United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, many other countries here coming together to do vital training with our Ukrainian friends and colleagues and allies."

Launched in 2022, Operation Interflex is the UK-led training programme designed to support Ukraine's defence against Russia's full-scale invasion.

More than 54,000 Ukrainian personnel have now received training, with contributions from multiple Nato and partner nations.

Incredible resilience

Addressing the Ukrainian personnel directly, he added: "It is incredible to see the resilience and inspiration that you have."

He noted that some attending the course were there for the second or even the third time, and that many had come from civilian backgrounds.

"I don’t think it could come at a more important point,' he said.

"I think it's incredible that all of the predictions at the beginning of this conflict were that the aggressor Russia would succeed very quickly, and they didn't.

"Because of the resilience of the Ukrainians. Because as you fought back and forth for your country and fought for all of us in fighting for your country."

New Zealand has confirmed it will continue supporting Operation Interflex until the end of the year.

The two leaders are now expected to hold talks in Downing Street on strengthening their defence and economic ties.