The Defence Academy welcomed the Ukrainian Ambassador on a visit to learn more about the Academy's support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal invasion.
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, met with the latest intake of Ukrainian padres engaged in training at the Defence Academy's Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, General Zaluzhnyi's visit marked the solemn milestone, and drew attention to the necessity and value of the training and education Ukrainians are receiving at the Defence Academy.
For the padres receiving training, the visit was also an opportunity to renew and bolster morale - something, as padres, they know is a vital component of fighting power.
The Armed Forces Ukrainian Chaplaincy Course has been run a number of times at the Defence Academy since the start of the war. Over a period of two weeks, Ukrainian padres participate in lessons including the provision of pastoral care and spiritual support to soldiers and their families, and delve into subjects such as bereavement and loss, and managing mental health difficulties.
Discussing the significance of the Ambassador’s visit to the Defence Academy, Major General Rowell said:
Oksana (name changed), an attendee of the event, commented:
The Armed Forces Ukraine (AFU) Chaplaincy Course is entering its third year and has trained nearly 100 padres. It uses classroom and field-based study to equip the course members to deal with conflict on the front line. Read more about this course.