Somewhere along the coast of Sweden, a training effort is coming to an end. In a short time, Swedish instructors have done everything they can to teach Ukrainian students how to handle the combat boat system that Sweden donated to Ukraine.
During an intensive period, Swedish instructors and interpreters have worked side by side with Ukrainian soldiers to teach them as much as they can about the Swedish combat boat system. They are mentally and physically tired after many hours of training and few days off. For many of the Swedish instructors, this is one of the greatest things they have ever been involved in and contributed to. Soon they will be separated, the training will be finished and the Ukrainians will return home to tirelessly continue fighting for their country and their families.
From early mornings to late evenings and nights, training is carried out for combat boat drivers, mechanics and operators at weapons stations. It is a mixed group of Ukrainian students who participate in the Swedish training effort, some have several years of experience as seamen, others have lived for agriculture and have never seen the sea before. They are young and old, some with experience from the war while others have just enlisted. They have one goal in common, the will to win the war and end the nightmare that has been going on for almost three years.
– They are so motivated and spread joy even though they have been through the worst imaginable. Many have lost their loved ones, yet they are here in good spirits and a willingness to work that you hardly understand or have seen before, says another instructor.