Norwegian troops infuse Viking spirit into Ukrainian war training program
Norway leads Operation Legio, using its Telemark Battalion’s Viking-inspired ethos to train Ukrainian soldiers for combat against Russia.
Operation Legio, coordinated by Norway, brings together eleven nations to prepare Ukrainian forces for the ongoing conflict with Russia. The core of the effort is the Telemark Battalion, whose identity is steeped in Viking culture, from a ship emblem to the battle cry “To Valhalla!” Maj. John, the S3 Operations Officer, explains that the training merges NATO warfighting methods with the combat insights Ukrainian soldiers already possess, while also fostering a disciplined “warrior mentality.”
The program is housed at Camp Jomsborg, a newly built facility near the Polish-Ukrainian border, featuring Viking-themed signage and streets named after Norse figures. Brigadier Atle Molde, commander of Task Force Legio, emphasizes that the goal is to enhance Ukrainian soldiers’ effectiveness and resilience so they can defend their country and negotiate peace on their own terms. The exchange allows Ukrainian veterans to share real-world lessons, while Norwegian and other NATO instructors contribute institutional expertise.
Why it matters
The training bolsters Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression by combining NATO expertise with Ukrainian combat experience.
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