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British Army Trains Ukrainians to Protect Critical Infrastructure.

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British Army Royal Engineer specialists have embarked on a vital mission to provide Ukraine with the training needed to fortify its defense of critical national infrastructure (CNI) against the ever-present threat of Russian attacks. The objective of this program is to protect the lives of Ukrainian civilians and enhance their preparedness for the challenging winter months ahead.

A Response to the Threat of CNI Destruction

The relentless onslaught of Russian missile and drone attacks poses a severe menace to the lives and safety of Ukrainian civilians. Following Putin’s illegal invasion, the damage and destruction of CNI has emerged as a primary concern. It is under these grave circumstances that the British Army has stepped in to offer assistance through specialized training.

Enhancing Ukraine’s Defense Planning

This newly introduced training program aims to bolster Ukraine’s capacity to plan the defense of its critical national infrastructure against potential Russian attacks. The training entails a comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects, including identifying vulnerable elements within CNI, assessing potential blast ranges, understanding the impacts of various weapons and explosives, and determining optimal locations for the deployment of physical and aerial barriers to safeguard these sites from Russian threats.

Words from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasizes the urgency of providing continuous support to Ukraine throughout the harsh winter season, as its civilian population faces constant danger due to Putin’s forces and their indiscriminate campaign of bombardment against critical infrastructure. The Defence Secretary underscores the resilience displayed by the Ukrainian people in the face of this illegal invasion. He believes that this tailored training package will prove instrumental in saving lives during the cold winter months when access to reliable energy becomes a matter of vital importance.

Progressive Training Program

The two-week training program was conceived and delivered in response to Ukraine’s request for enhanced protection of its energy sector. This initiative marks a significant advancement from earlier courses that focused on fundamental protective measures, such as the use of sandbags and entrenchment.

Furthermore, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has recently announced a new support package for Ukraine, secured through the International Fund for Ukraine. This package includes the provision of £100 million in capabilities for maintenance and maneuver support, encompassing heavy-duty plant vehicles to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive infrastructure.

Sharing Knowledge for Resilience

A distinctive feature of the CNI protection training was the collaboration between Ukrainian professionals from various sectors, including energy, water, transport, and academia. This collaborative approach allowed participants to share knowledge and past experiences, which ultimately enhanced the resilience of the CNI network.

The Impact and Real-Life Application

Major Michael Suddaby, from 63 Works Group Royal Engineers, is confident that the training will soon be implemented in Ukraine, making a tangible difference in the quality of life for its civilians and the country’s ability to withstand Russian attacks throughout the winter. The motivation of Ukrainian participants and their ability to apply specialist force protection measures and infrastructure assessment methods further strengthens Ukraine’s position.

The Royal Engineers have harnessed the expertise of specialist reservists who work in the UK’s CNI sector. Their professional experience and technical knowledge have been instrumental in delivering components of the training at locations such as a UK gasworks, military airstrip, and a port facility. Drawing from experiences in assessing flood damage in Bangladesh and earthquake damage in Nepal, the course integrated real-life scenarios to empower Ukrainian participants with the ability to develop plans and implement practical solutions for the efficient protection of CNI facilities.

Source: Gov[Dot]UK

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