Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell AO, DSC and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP visiting members of Operation KUDU. Source : Australian Defence Force
Defence Force soldiers providing training to Ukrainian recruits in the UK were visited by Richard Marles and Penny Wong.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong visited the UK base where the training is being conducted by multiple nations’ representatives.
They did so alongside UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
Mr Marles said the opportunity to visit the soldiers who are conducting critical training of Ukrainian recruits for the Russia-Ukraine war was a privilege.
“Today I was privileged to visit the Australian soldiers who have deployed to the United Kingdom to take part in the multinational effort to help training Ukrainian recruits.” Mr Marles said.
“Australia, the UK and our international partners will continue to stand with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion – and we saw that first-hand here today, as our soldiers worked shoulder-to-shoulder to help bolster the capacity of the Ukrainian armed forces,
“In this uncertain and complex world it is essential that Australia continues to work with the UK and other partners in support of the rules-based order.
“The Australian Government is committed to standing with Ukraine in response to Russia’s clear violation of the rules-based order.” He said.
The training is occurring as part of Operation KUDU, which is also known as Operation Interflex.
It is being conducted to help generate additional capacity within Ukrainian Armed Forces to help in the fight with Russia.
It has been confirmed that no ADF personnel will become a part of the war effort in Ukraine.
A group of up to 70 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed from Darwin in January to assist with the program.
When the announcement was made, the Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said Australia was proud to participate in the fight with Russia.
“Our people are our greatest defence capability.” Mr Keogh had said.
“That’s why it’s so important that our soldiers…will provide essential skills to the armed forces of Ukraine…
“We are proud to support the brave people of Ukraine and their armed forces.” He said.
