British Volunteers in Ukraine Struggle With Basic Military Training

It is not a game that is being played on the Ukrainian battlefield.

A front-line commander has revealed that some British volunteers are unable to pass even the most basic military training.

While some excel, others struggle to adapt to the demands of active warfare.

From Keyboard Warriors to Combat Reality

Lt. Col. Roman Myrnyi of Ukraine’s Khartia Brigade, who oversees foreign fighters, says British recruits are a mixed bag.

“Some don’t make it past basic training,” he admits.

But others, he says, show exemplary discipline and potential for leadership, including one Brit who is already being considered for a sergeant role.

Not All Volunteers Are Equal

Defense analyst Nicolas Drummond points out that many Brits heading to Ukraine fall into two categories.

One being seasoned veterans and the other so-called “Walter Mitty” types, amateurs with a romanticized view of war who are unprepared for its brutal reality.

“Once they get there, it’s a shock,” he said.

British Army Training Still Holds High Standards

Ironically, these dropout cases may show the strength of Britain’s own military system.

Drummond argues that failure abroad shows how well the UK screens and trains its own soldiers.

“We don’t send people to fight until they’re properly trained,” he said.

Calls to Expand the British Army

With growing global threats, analysts say the UK needs at least 200,000 military personnel, including reserve divisions and expanded naval and air forces.

“If we had to expand quickly, could we keep our standards? That’s the question we should be asking,” Drummond warned.

Modern Warfare Requires Modern Tools

Beyond manpower, experts stress the need for weapons and technology.

“If war started tomorrow, we’d run out of missiles fast,” Drummond said.

He also urged massive investment in drones, calling them “the modern battlefield’s rifle.”

Britain Can’t Wait for the U.S. Anymore

With America shifting its global focus, the UK must prepare to stand on its own.

“We thought the U.S. would sort out Ukraine. That’s not the case anymore,” Drummond said.

“If we want a place at the negotiating table, we need to invest in deterrence now, not later.”