The UK is set to train 180 Ukrainian soldiers in 2025, equipping them with vital mental health first aid skills to support their fellow troops on the frontlines.
This initiative, part of the UK-led Operation Interflex, aims to boost the resilience and morale of Ukrainian forces as they continue to defend their nation against Russia’s illegal invasion.
In 2024, 100 Ukrainian commanders successfully completed the Combat Stress Signposting Course (CSSC), a tailored training programme designed to help soldiers manage the stresses of combat. The course was developed with input from both UK and Ukrainian experts, including military psychologists and mental health practitioners, to address the rising number of recruits reporting trauma exposure and mental health challenges.
The CSSC trains soldiers, known as Combat Mental Resilience Practitioners or Control Stress Operators, in critical skills to manage combat stress before, during, and after battle. Upon completion, these trained personnel will support their fellow soldiers, helping them maintain mental well-being and access clinical care when necessary.
The training covers battle shock management, trauma risk management, and techniques like the six-step iCover method, which helps soldiers recover from acute stress in under a minute.
Minister for Armed Forces Luke Pollard emphasised the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine, saying, “The Ukrainian people are fighting with huge courage to defend their country, and it is our duty to put them in the strongest possible position.” He added, “With hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers receiving mental health first aid training before returning to the frontlines, resilience can be spread throughout the ranks of those fighting Russia’s illegal invasion.”
Operation Interflex, which has already trained over 51,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2022, will continue throughout 2025, equipping Ukrainian forces with essential combat skills. The programme will expand in 2025 with enhanced training to ensure that the Ukrainian military remains prepared for the challenges ahead.
“Train” seems to b missing from the title.
I think it would have been beneficial to also invite the medical volunteers serving in Ukraine as a wider effort.
They are under pressure and do so much! Whilst needed equipment…
And that training would help them and the soldiers in the future
I see this as a step in the right direction at least, but still anything is better than nothing.