Zelenskyy inspects international training grounds in UK

The UK-led training operation is instructing Ukrainian recruits in basic weaponry, defence, and leadership. More than 70 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed to help instruct recruits, as part of ADF Operation Kudu.

President Zelenskyy commended the training of Ukrainian crews on the British Challenger main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles, as well as practical elements of the training course.

“I saw that the guys are willing to learn fast. Our servicemen are diligent and eager to learn new skills as soon as possible to return home and use everything they have learned to liberate our territory,” he said.

“I see that they have everything they need for this, including powerful tanks. Exactly the kind we need. And we are doing everything to ensure that they appear on the battlefield just as quickly.”

President Zelenskyy also presented awards to tankmen, paratroopers, and mechanics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These honours included the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the Third Degree, the Orders for Courage of the Third Degree, and medals for military service to Ukraine.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.