Building Ukraine’s battlefield leadership amid ongoing war: Weapon of the Week
Professional development is a cornerstone of military readiness. Across every branch of service, continuing education helps shape environments where success can thrive. Even in wartime, training remains essential.
That’s why Operation Interflex is this week’s weapon of the week.
What is Operation Interflex?
Led by the United Kingdom, Operation Interflex is a multinational training initiative designed to strengthen Ukraine’s frontline leadership. The program was launched in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and has since trained nearly 60,000 Ukrainian troops.
Training takes place at undisclosed locations across the U.K. The centerpiece is a 10-week platoon commander battle course, where Ukrainian junior officers learn to lead combat teams in high-stakes environments.
“We’re training Ukrainian junior officers and leaders,” said Lt. Willet of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. “They’ll return to Ukraine to lead platoons of about 30 soldiers from various specialties — infantry, artillery, logistics.”
The course focuses on leadership, planning and tactical decision-making. Rather than drilling specific maneuvers, instructors emphasize battlefield analysis and strategic execution.
“We’re not focused on individual drills,” Willet said. “We teach how to analyze situations and apply force effectively.”
The training is collaborative. NATO instructors learn from Ukrainian battlefield experience while sharing their own operational knowledge.
“It’s a two-way exchange,” Willet said. “We’re not saying our way is the only way. We want to learn from them, too.”
Operation Interflex includes trainers from NATO allies such as Albania, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden and the U.K. Australia and New Zealand also participate as NATO partners.
For Ukrainian soldiers, the training is more than preparation — it’s personal.
“I fight to keep my country free,” one Ukrainian soldier said. “I want my children and grandchildren to live without war.”
The program covers a wide range of combat scenarios, including trench clearing, cover fire and small-unit tactics. Soldiers also receive instruction in leadership roles, preparing them to command under pressure.
“We want to make sure the enemy doesn’t go on to invade other countries,” another Ukrainian soldier said. “They’re already wreaking havoc on our territory.”
Why is the operation significant?
The scale of Operation Interflex reflects a deep commitment to Ukraine’s defense. On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Aug. 24, the U.K. announced the program will continue through at least the end of 2026.
“There’s a sense of pride in being part of something that’s making a difference,” said Maj. Cussins, officer commanding the Handling and Processing Centre. “Even if it’s just a small part of a huge operation.”
As the war continues, Operation Interflex remains a vital tool in Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. By investing in leadership and tactical training, NATO allies are helping Ukrainian forces become more agile, resilient and capable of countering Russian aggression.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
