Swedish Navy Trains Ukrainian Sailors on Handling Combat Boats

Along Sweden’s rugged coastline, a group of Ukrainian sailors is completing intensive training under the Swedish Navy to master the use of combat boats donated to Ukraine.

For several weeks, Swedish instructors and interpreters have worked closely with Ukrainian crews, conducting long days and nights of hands-on exercises to cover navigation, maintenance, and weapon systems. The effort forms part of Sweden’s ongoing military assistance to Ukraine as the war with Russia nears its third year.

“It’s been physically and mentally demanding, but the Ukrainians are the best students I’ve ever had,” said one Swedish instructor. “They want to understand every detail, and knowing they’ll soon return to the front lines is something that affects us deeply.”

The trainees include both seasoned sailors and newcomers to naval operations. Some previously served in Ukraine’s armed forces, while others came from civilian backgrounds such as farming. Despite their differences, they share a common purpose — to defend their country and families.

Despite the compressed training schedule — less than a third of normal duration — instructors say the Ukrainians have quickly learned to maneuver the boats and operate their systems effectively.

As the program concludes, the sailors will soon return to Ukraine to put their new skills into action — operating Swedish-built combat boats in the war.