What do Ukrainian soldiers think of their training abroad? DW 02/25/2025
Briefly

Since the onset of Russia's war in Ukraine, various European nations have provided military training to Ukrainian soldiers. One soldier, code-named Mara, shared insights from his training in France. He noted that many Western trainers fail to grasp the nuances of fighting an enemy equipped with tanks and artillery, focusing instead on counter-terrorism tactics. Mara found certain aspects of the training impractical, such as setting up tents. However, he praised more realistic exercises, like those simulating urban combat and the psychological resilience they imparted, helping soldiers endure the brutal realities of war.
Mara emphasizes that while some training methods may be highly effective, specific aspects like tent setup are impractical given the realities of the Ukrainian battlefield.
He notes that the Western trainers often lack an understanding of Ukraine's unique combat environment, primarily focusing on counter-terrorism tactics rather than conventional warfare.
Mara appreciates the realistic exercises provided, especially those that replicate the challenging urban environments of Ukraine, highlighting the need for practical training scenarios.
He also shares the psychological impact of training exercises, indicating how they prepare soldiers to deal with the harsh realities of combat, such as crawling over corpses.
Read at www.dw.com
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