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Grenade throwing and rifle practice have featured as tour highlights as Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong visited the multinational training program this week.
Both ministers alongside UK counterparts, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, toured the training area where Australian and NATO soldiers are providing combat training to Ukrainian recruits.
As part of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Operation Kudu, a contingent of 70 Australian Defence Force personnel has been deployed to the UK last month to assist with the training program and help generate additional capacity within the Ukrainian defence forces.
The Ukraine-Russo war is on the cusp of completing a full year in battle since the Russian invasion on 24 February 2022.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Operation Kudu demonstrates Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion.
“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 train Ukrainian recruits,” said the Deputy PM.
“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.”
No ADF personnel will enter Ukraine as part of the program.
Robert Dougherty
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