Australian troops deployed to the United Kingdom have met King Charles as they farewell the first cohort of Ukrainian recruits they've helped train in basic combat skills for the war against Russia.
On the first anniversary of Russia's invasion, almost 200 recruits for the Armed Forces of Ukraine have marched out after graduating from a UK-based training program, where Australian soldiers have been instructing since January.
Under Operation KUDU, roughly 70 members of the Australian Army's First Brigade have joined a British-led multinational effort in southern England to prepare thousands of Ukrainian volunteers for frontline service in their besieged country.
Over recent weeks, ADF personnel have instructed the Ukrainians as they completed intensive combat training to rapidly learn war-fighting techniques, using scenarios designed to align with the current conditions in their homeland.
At the graduation ceremony, the Australian Commander of Operation KUDU, Major Gregory Sargeant, acknowledged the dedication and the spirit displayed by the Ukrainian volunteers throughout the course.
"Some of this training will be close to what many of you will soon be facing, or have already faced at home," Major Sargeant said as he addressed the new graduates.
"You have had to learn very quickly, covering multiple topics to make you efficient soldiers, and you have all impressed the training team with your dedication and motivation.
"Look after yourselves, your friends, and your families. Good luck and good soldiering," he added.
In comments published by the Defence Department, one graduating recruit spoke of his appreciation for the course and his section commanders.
"Training here is very intense, and, with regard to the Australian instructors, they work with love," the recruit was quoted as saying in a mix of English and Ukrainian.
"They understand whom and for what they are teaching," the newly graduated private added.
King Charles visited the the Ukrainian military recruits at their training program in Wiltshire and met some of the instructors, including Australian soldiers.
The monarch watched a short defensive training exercise and was accompanied by General Sir Patrick Sanders, the UK's Chief of General Staff.
An estimated 10,000 Ukrainian recruits are expected to pass through the UK training facility.
