Op ORBITAL: Why are British soldiers in Ukraine?
Operation ORBITAL is the codename given to the UK Armed Forces’ deployment in Ukraine. They have been providing training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia.
Operation ORBITAL began back in February 2015 following a request from the Ukrainian government to provide guidance and training to their Armed Forces.
In 2014, Crimea, which is officially part of Ukraine, was taken over by pro-Russian forces and subsequently, Russia then illegally seized control of the territory.
Since then, conflict has sprung up further along Ukraine’s eastern border as pro-Russian forces launched protests, resulting in armed conflict in the region of Donbass. As a result, many Ukrainians have lost their liberty, and their lives as Russian aggression continues.
Working away from the conflict in the East, around 100 UK Armed Forces personnel have been continuing to make a difference and save lives in Ukraine. The UK Armed Forces are committed to working alongside our allies to instigate peace and security in Europe and around the world.
British troops have directly trained over 13,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel.
The areas of focus for training are;
- Medical
- Logistics
- Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED)
- Anti-armour
- Counter-sniping
- Mortar planning
This training is vital for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they strive to modernise and develop, in the face of continuing Russian aggression in the east of their country.
The training focuses on a range of key battle basic infantry and medic skills, countering attacks from snipers, armoured vehicles and mortars.
Early this year, the UK began the delivery of additional training and support to the Ukrainian Navy to help it counter the increasing threats it faces. The first Royal Navy and Royal Marines training teams deployed to Ukraine in January and March 2019.
“Having a presence in Ukraine and helping their soldiers train to become better shows the support we give our allies against any threats they’re facing.
“but also helps us as a nation stand out to the rest of the world — showing them what we are capable of with our alliances at hand to help defend Britain.”
Lance Corporal Oliver Hutcheson
Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here:
