What next for Op Interflex as Ukraine seeks to bring training back in house?
Ukrainian forces have been receiving training abroad over the past few years, notably Operation Interflex, but Kyiv now appears to want to carry it out within its own borders.
Colonel Yevhen Mezhivikin, a senior officer responsible for doctrine and training, was quoted as saying instructors from Western countries lacked modern combat experience.
And according to Ukrainian media, Col Mezhivikin said the initial proposal to move training back to Ukraine came from the UK.
Trainees or trainers?
More than 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have passed through Op Interflex, the UK-led infantry training programme based in the east of England.
The training programme has been updated over time, with more focus on drones and more experienced soldiers being taught how to operate as section or platoon commanders.
But after four years, many recruits now arrive in the UK already battle-hardened as Russia and Ukraine now have more experience of 21st-century warfare than any other nation.
Ukrainian commanders reportedly feel there's a growing disconnect between Western instructors – many with no experience of combat – and the realities of the frontline in Ukraine.
Legal restrictions in some host nations also mean training can't be adjusted fast enough to keep pace with the changing battlefield, they say.
There have also been issues with troops going AWOL during overseas courses. In one case, 1,700 soldiers from a Ukrainian brigade deserted in France.
Benefits outlined
Ukraine's General Staff emphasised that it was constantly working to improve training – including abroad.
However, Col Mezhivikin was quoted as saying: "The United Kingdom is the first country to propose moving all training to Ukraine and concentrating efforts on specific centres and areas of activity to avoid dispersing them."
Ukrainian media were quick to point out the benefits of bringing much of the training back "in-house", including the logistical savings in moving personnel to countries like the UK and back again.
Media outlet ua.news also said local training meant lessons learnt from the recent fighting in Kharkiv and Kupiansk could be more quickly taught and integrated.
However, some foreign training programmes look set to stay.
Ukrainian fixed-wing pilots hoping to fly the F-16 have been carrying out their basic flying training in the UK.
And Ukrainian rotary-wing pilots have also been learning how to become helicopter instructors.
The MOD has yet to comment on the reports.
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