Ireland to give Ukraine weapons training despite ‘non-lethal’ pledge
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In July, Ireland's Cabinet approved a memo that would allow the training of Ukrainian troops in basic military skills, which will include rifle training.
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Ukrainian military recruits being trained by British Armed Forces at a military base in Southern England on August 15, 2022. (AP)
According to The Irish Times, in addition to providing troops to train Ukrainian forces in non-lethal areas such as mine clearance, combat medicine, and engineering, Irish personnel are also to provide weapons training to the Ukrainian armed forces, a turnaround from Ireland's previous position on only providing non-lethal support.
Weapons training was not included in public announcements by the Government of the Defense Forces' participation in the EU training mission. It contrasts with a statement by Tánaiste and Minister for Defense Micheál Martin earlier this year that the training would be in “non-lethal” areas.
Government ministers have revealed no information about weapons training in the Dail, and have usually emphasized a humanitarian version of training, falling in place with Ireland's military neutrality and official government position of providing non-offensive military support.
In July, the Cabinet approved a memo that would allow the training of troops in basic military skills, which will include rifle training.
In addition, leadership training, combat medicine, demining and explosive disposal will also be provided.
Included in the demining equipment donated by the Defense forces are two armored vehicles.
DOD: No conflict with neutral position
A Department of Defense (DOD) spokespersonclaimed that the training presents "no conflict" with Ireland's neutral military position.
The DOD also refuted claims of misleading the public, explaining that the mention of weapons training “was always intended to be indicative rather than exhaustive."
After the government requested insight into the training modules, the defense forces included weapons skills as well as advanced marksmanship skills to aid Ukrainian troops on sharpshooters.
Officials allegedly removed the marksmanship module following concerns it could breach neutrality and possibly be rejected by the Green Party.
The government subsequently approved it, seeing as Ukraine's war is allegedly a war of "defense,"
The training largely takes place in Germany and Poland, and up to 30 Irish troops are slated to participate.
The Irish Government has also provided €122 million in non-lethal military supplies to Ukraine, which include body armour, fuel and medical supplies.
France finalizes training program for 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers
France, in collaboration with Poland, has reportedly finalized the training of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year, according to French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, underscoring France's dedication to developing Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently shared a video on social media demonstrating a long-range Scalp missile that his French counterpart promised Kiev last month.
In mid-July, President Emmanuel Macron announced that his government had decided to join the United Kingdom in providing Scalp missiles to Ukraine.
The Former president of the French right-wing National Rally party and the current chairwoman of its parliamentary faction, Marine Le Pen, told Le Figaro that it was "irresponsible" of Macron to pledge long-range missiles to Ukraine.
The UK Defense Ministry announced that 18,000 Ukrainian recruits have already received training as part of Operation Interflex, a multinational effort led by the UK to support and train Ukrainian forces.
The operation, launched on June 26, 2022, reportedly focuses on equipping Ukrainian volunteers with the skills necessary to "defend their homeland".
In April, the UK ministry reported that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers had undergone training in the UK, with a goal of fully training 20,000 recruits by the end of 2023.
It is worth noting that Operation Interflex involves several countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden, all contributing to the mission.
