NT 1st Brigade troops will train Ukraine armed forces to fight Russia, in the UK

The Northern Territory could soon be playing a lead role in preparing Ukrainians for war. Find out how.

Troops from the Territory’s 1st Brigade will form the bulk of a force that will travel to England in January to train members of Ukrainian armed forces.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced earlier this month that 70 Australian Army personnel will join the operation in January to help deliver training as part of the UK’s commitment to train 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart was in the UK last week for discussions with senior British military personnel ahead of the Australian deployment.

It was originally believed the soldiers would be taken from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade but the NT News understands the vast majority, if not all personnel, will be dispatched from Robertson Barracks.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart (right).

Although it is not clear whether the final configuration has been settled, the expectation is many of the soldiers will be deployed from the Territory.

As well as Aussie soldiers training Ukrainian civilians, would-be Ukrainian soldiers are also trained at the UK facility

The NT News understands Australian troops will train soldiers from Ukraine and the expectation is they’ll pass on those newly developed skills when they return to Ukraine.

The NT News understands training will include handling light weapons and after they’ve been trained by Australian troops they’ll go back to Ukraine and teach farmers, teachers, principals – anybody who’s going to hold a weapon in the conflict against Russia.

Lt Gen Stuart took time out to visit the facility in southern England where up to 170 Ukrainian civilians, including taxi drivers, bricklayers, solicitors and tradesman aged between 18 and 55 are preparing to defend their country.

“This visit has been immensely valuable – one can’t help but be impressed by the determination and attitude of these trainees,” he said.

“I’m confident that we’ll make a difference. The Ukrainians will learn from us and our experiences in the field but, equally, we will learn from them and their experiences fighting in eastern Europe.

“It will make all of us better soldiers.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lays a wreath during a Remembrance Day 2022 Ceremony at the Cenotaph in Sydney, Friday, November 11, 2022. (AAP Image/Pool, Dean Lewins)

In addition to training support, Australia announced it will provide an additional 30 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to Ukraine, bringing the total number to 90.

Australia has provided Ukraine with close to $655m in support, including $475m in military assistance.

Mr Albanese said Australia’s commitment was a show of support for freedom and democracy.

“Australia has been unequivocal in its bipartisan support for Ukraine and it’s condemnation of President Putin,” he said.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in January, casualty estimates of up to 200,000 soldiers and civilians have been reported.