Ukraine War: Kiwis Train Ukrainian Troops Amid Shifting Western Strategy

Salisbury Plain Hosts Crucial Combat Skills Transfer

New Zealand soldiers are on the front lines of training, not in battle. At Salisbury Plain, around 130 Kiwis are imparting vital combat basics to Ukrainian recruits, a mission met with pride and observed by visiting Defence Ministers. The intensity of the training reflects the urgency of Ukraine’s fight for survival.

Ukrainian Recruits Show Unprecedented Drive

One trainer, identified only as Nathan, has expressed astonishment at the Ukrainian soldiers’ eagerness to learn. He contrasted them with soldiers he’d previously trained in Afghanistan and Iraq, noting, “They’re really hungry to learn; they have a passion and a thirst for knowledge.” The recruits actively seek out instructors for extra practice and clarification.

Nathan further highlighted the recruits’ dedication: “It was astonishing that ‘we haven’t had people pulling sickies or trying to get out of the field. They hate it if they have to leave for some medical thing. Whereas back home, if things are going hard, you might get up and say, ‘Oh, I’m feeling sick today.’” This commitment underscores their determination to master skills for the ongoing conflict.

Western Support and Strategic Divergences

Following Ukraine’s successful counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, Western optimism regarding Ukraine’s ability to reclaim territory had grown. A key strategic objective was severing the Russian land bridge to Crimea via southern Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. This objective aimed to isolate Russian forces in Crimea.

The UK, represented by then Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, was particularly bullish. Wallace urged Ukrainian counterparts to “keep up the pressure”, suggesting an operational pause by Ukraine was ill-advised given their perceived advantages. He highlighted the significant international provision of arctic warfare equipment, stating, “They have 300,000 pieces of arctic warfare kit, from the international community.”

In contrast, the United States began expressing a more cautious approach. Mark Milley, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, advised Ukraine to consider negotiations while in a strong battlefield position. This divergence highlighted differing strategic assessments among key allies.

Vitaliy Krasovskiy, Ukraine’s defence attaché in London, lauded the British commitment, noting their efforts went “well above” those of many other nations. He praised the UK Ministry of Defence officials for their extraordinary dedication, often working overtime. Krasovskiy cited the sourcing of Australian Bushmaster armoured vehicles as an example of British responsiveness, attributing it to an emotional attachment to Ukraine’s victory, beyond mere strategic interest.

The article also notes the significant impact of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson‘s early and frequent visits to Kyiv, which provided a crucial morale boost and symbolized international solidarity. Johnson remains a revered figure in Ukraine, celebrated in various forms of popular culture.

New Challenges Emerge in Modern Warfare Training

Despite the dedication of Western trainers, a significant gap exists in preparing Ukrainian forces for the current conflict’s unique nature. One instructor admitted, “Quite frankly, we’ve never fought this kind of war before.” Decades of Western counter-insurgency experience, primarily against groups like the Taliban, differ starkly from facing a powerful state military employing massive artillery barrages, a scenario few Western soldiers have experienced firsthand.

Training includes simulating artillery impacts, with instructors using controlled explosions and even incorporating amputee actors to replicate casualties. This immersive approach aims to prepare recruits for the harsh realities of battlefield medicine. However, some Ukrainian soldiers have voiced concerns about the relevance of certain training methods, such as map navigation, in an era dominated by reconnaissance drones.

Strategic Setbacks and Slower Deliveries

Ukraine’s planned offensive to cut the land bridge faced formidable Russian fortifications. General Sergey Surovikin had overseen the construction of extensive defensive networks across Zaporizhzhia. Compounding these challenges, crucial details of Ukrainian plans were reportedly leaked to the Russians, enabling them to anticipate the timing and location of attacks.

The delivery of Western military aid, including advanced tanks and fighter jets, faced significant delays. A notable holdup occurred during international efforts to secure Germany’s approval for Leopard tank transfers. Simultaneously, Russia escalated its industrial output of artillery shells and drones, while importing weaponry from North Korea and Iran.

Western support, crucial for Ukraine’s war effort, was projected to peak in the summer of 2023. The US faced ammunition shortages, while European nations struggled to ramp up munitions production. Anticipated political shifts in Western capitals ahead of 2024 elections further suggested a potential decline in future aid.

Efforts were made to bolster Ukraine’s capabilities, with the West training and equipping nine brigades. Additional Ukrainian brigades from the armed forces and National Guard were also organized. This comprehensive training and equipment program aimed to equip Ukraine for future operations, despite the complex logistical and political challenges involved.