Australia to train Ukrainian soldiers in Poland as part of expanded support

Australia is deepening its military commitment to Ukraine by participating in the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers on Polish territory. This new phase of international cooperation, spearheaded by Norway, will bring Australian military personnel closer to Ukraine's borders than previous efforts.

According to the Australian government's press service, the Australian military will collaborate within this multinational mission to prepare Ukrainian soldiers. Officials in Canberra believe this proximity to the front lines will allow for better adaptation to the operational demands faced by troops in combat.

Australia's Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, confirmed the involvement of the Australian armed forces in this upcoming training initiative, which is slated to commence in mid-2026. This decision builds upon the support already provided through Operation Kudu, a program launched in January 2023.

Under Operation Kudu, Australian military personnel had already trained more than 3,600 Ukrainian soldiers by May 2026. These training activities have included deployments in the United Kingdom as part of the broader training program known as Interflex. Beyond direct military training, Australia has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, totaling approximately $1.5 billion, reinforcing its support for Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.