Prior to the anticipated Russian offensive, Spain trains Ukrainian volunteers.

By Elena Rodriguez, Marco Trujillo; Edited by News Gate Team

Reuters, February 9, Toledo – Alona, a Ukrainian who had been living in Spain for 14 years, felt obliged to come home to defend her nation when Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022.

The 35-year-old enlisted in the Ukrainian military at the beginning of this year, but a few days later she was back in Spain receiving basic combat instruction from the Spanish army.

One of 192 troops who came in Toledo, central Spain, on January 12 to start a five-week school is Alona, who is from Lutsk in the Volyn region of Ukraine. To commemorate the first anniversary of its invasion, Russia may launch an offensive this month, and Kyiv is preparing for it.

Alona feared that if they attacked us again in February, they would inflict even greater harm.

As the war’s first anniversary draws near, it is at a turning point, with Russia advancing with hundreds of thousands of mobilized reserve forces and Ukraine no longer making gains as it did in the second half of 2022.

Madrid-based Alona’s mother and brother disagree with her plan to enroll. “They believe I’m unprepared for this. In my entire life, I have never touched a firearm in my hands “She spoke. “I’ll stick around till we win,”

In support of Ukraine, Spain established the Toledo Training Coordination Centre last year. This initiative, which is a component of the European Military Assistance Mission, trains up to 400 conscripts from Ukraine every two months. According to the EU, 24 EU nations have contributed staff and training materials.

Josep Borrell, the head of foreign policy for the EU, announced on Twitter on February 2 that the mission will have trained 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of 2023.

According to the coordination center, training covers anti-aircraft weapon use, mine clearance, sharpshooting, and action against explosive devices.

There are four women among the 192 Ukrainian recruits, including Alona. They were receiving the same instruction as their male coworkers, according to Captain Carlos Vera, the course’s lead teacher.

He remarked, “What they are learning will be incredibly helpful and will improve their chances of survival.

Volunteer Ruslan, age 20, claimed he was clinging to the hopes he had before the war started.

“I want to land a good career, support myself, and establish myself, “said he. “After that, I want to have a family.

By Elena Rodriguez, Marco Trujillo; Edited by News Gate Team