A select group of Ukrainian soldiers have been training in the UK, but they’ve also been teaching their British Army instructors something – the intensity of their desire to defend their homeland.

Several hundred Ukrainians have been taking part in a five-week leadership course in an undisclosed part of East Anglia, focusing on different aspects of warfare including fighting in built-up areas.

One of the instructors, Sergeant Clayton Gibbons from 157 (Welsh) Regt Royal Logistic Corps, told Forces News: "We offer the basic foundations of what it is to become a soldier.

"Then we liaise with the commanders who come from Ukraine to adapt that training and make it as realistic and current and relevant as possible.

“Everything the British Army taught me is the reason I’m standing here now, so if I can relate all those small pieces of information to them then they can take that away, they stand a much better chance of coming out the other side.”

Sgt Gibbons added: “I’ve never seen hearts so big. It gives me a different outlook on patriotism because [for] these guys their country is absolutely everything to them.”

The leadership course comes on top of the basic five-week infantry training they receive, and many of the soldiers will go on to become platoon commanders.

One trainee, known only as Alex, said: "Firstly, I’ll try to transfer all the knowledge I’ve picked up here to my men if they don’t have it.

“And secondly, and the most important thing, I will try and keep them alive and bring them home safely.”

Another Ukrainian, known as Odysey, was asked how he was feeling about going to the frontline and engaging in combat.

He said: “Mostly, I’m trying to kill my feelings. It’s not about feelings, it’s about logic and thinking. Feelings are disabled.”

Some of the trainees have seen combat before – although many have not – but they know that within a few weeks of leaving East Anglia, they could be back in Ukraine on the frontline under Russian fire.

One of the veterans, a 24-year-old named Alexander who has seen combat in eastern Ukraine, said: "I’ve seen countless, multiple atrocities.

"And there’s a continuous feeling of danger when you see the drones overhead carrying explosives, plus the artillery fire.

“Also when you see your mate – and the next second he’s gone – it’s very unpleasant.”

Private Jessica Sacharczuk, a reservist with 3rd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment, said of her Ukrainian trainees: "I’ve been absolutely amazed at the commitment that they show.

"There’s no bigger motivation than what they’re, unfortunately, going through in their home country.

“To do what they’re doing in such a short period of time and the standards they come out [with] is amazing.”

with video on the link