Australia has announced its intention to expand its training programs for recruits from the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2024 as part of efforts to enhance international solidarity for Ukraine under the “Codeo” initiative.
In a press statement published on its official website, the Australian Ministry of Defense expressed its pride in expanding its support for the Codeo initiative.
Acting Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles stated, “Our growing commitment to the multinational training mission affirms our pledge to provide meaningful and relevant support to the government and people of Ukraine.”
He highlighted that Australian soldiers have assisted in training over 1,200 recruits as part of the multinational training mission led by the United Kingdom to support Ukraine’s National Defense Forces following Russian military operations.
The statement further outlined that Australia’s expanded role will include a leadership training program, focusing on areas such as basic combat skills, urban warfare, trenches, combat first aid, explosive hazard awareness, and marksmanship.
The most recent batch of approximately 70 trainers from the Australian Defense Force returned to Darwin this week, with plans to increase the number of Australian Defense Force personnel in each training cycle to 90 trainers over the next 12 months.
According to the official Ukrainian news agency “Ukrinform,” Australia has provided nearly AUD 1 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including AUD 730 million in military aid since the start of Russian military operations in 2022.
This expanded training program signifies Australia’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and international partnerships.
