International experts will support the enhancement of combat training in Ukraine

With the support of international partners, Ukraine continues to enhance the combat training and professional development system for military personnel.

In particular, in 2025, as part of NATO's Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), Ukrainian instructors in basic general military training will undergo training in Lithuania.

This was agreed upon during a meeting between the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk, and Stasys Paldunas, the international adviser on professional military education from the Republic of Lithuania.

“Improving military education and combat training remains one of the core priorities for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We are grateful to our partners for their support, which enables us to integrate modern NATO standards into our training system,” emphasized Serhii Melnyk.

The first group of 30 Ukrainian instructors will undergo training in Lithuania. During the selection process, particular focus will be placed on non-commissioned officers with prior combat experience.

Upon their return to Ukraine, these instructors will be equipped to introduce new training approaches for military personnel. They will also have the opportunity to share their expertise with fellow instructors at national training centers.

In addition, the parties discussed the revision of combat marksmanship training programs.

In 2025, a pilot project to train marksmanship instructors is planned to be launched at two educational institutions of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, with the support of the Alliance. As part of this project, two groups of instructors will be formed to adopt new teaching methodologies tailored to modern NATO standards.

“Cooperation with the Alliance opens up new opportunities to improve not only our training programs but also the preparation of qualified experts to train military personnel in line with international best practices,” stated Serhii Melnyk.

With the commencement of the next academic year, the introduction of updated combat training and marksmanship programs will support the training of methodology specialists and enhance the professional standards of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.