Freezing conditions for Australian troops training Ukrainian recruits

How to wage war in freezing conditions has been an immediate lesson for the Australian soldiers helping to train Ukrainians for frontline battle.

Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, warm up in the northern hemisphere’s frosty midwinter.

When 70 Australian Defence Force personnel arrived in southern England less than a fortnight ago they had an immediate lesson as to what tough conditions their Ukrainian trainees – whom they will transform into frontline soldiers – have been encountering.

For the 5th Battalion 1st brigade went from balmy summer temperatures of 33 degrees at their Darwin base straight into the northern hemisphere’s frosty midwinter.

The unit’s new home, south of London – which can’t be revealed for security reasons – dropped well below zero, so the ground crunches beneath boots and even in the tepid daylight hours the mercury has barely risen above zero.

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is colder still.

The Australians, under Operation Kudu, and like other trainers before them from New Zealand, Sweden and The Netherlands have a new understanding of loading rifles with frozen hands and thick gloves.

An Australian Army soldier warms his hands during loading of bags and stores on to transport after arriving in Britian.

The Australian Defence Force has joined the international coalition initiated by the British to provide training for Ukrainian Armed Forces recruits which has been ongoing since last June.

Some of the Ukrainians have had military training, but most have not: they are nearly all civilians desperate to be as effective as possible to counter Russian aggression.

When The Australian spoke to Ukrainians being trained under the five-week program last year, they were inordinately grateful to learn new skills, but also that other countries are involved, providing much-needed moral support.

Australian soldiers during morning physical training at the camp south of London.

Officials have said the Australian troops will train the Ukrainians in infantry tactics in urban and wooded environments. All of the training is conducted in the United Kingdom.

Other countries have provided trainers to assist with skills such as firing rifles, locating mines, and also in battlefront first aid. The Ukrainians have instruction on weapons handling, offensive and defensive tactics, awareness of the Law of Armed Conflict, range activity and marksmanship, patrol techniques and cyber security.

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, who scouted the British training facilities last year, farewelled the Australian troops in Darwin, telling them: “The mission we have is really important, it’s one that matters and we have got a great sense of purpose among the team here.

“It is really important because they are going to be supporting Ukrainians who are fighting for their families, for their way of life and for their country.’’