Western troops stage mock Russian attacks to train Ukrainian soldiers in Poland

Operation Legio, coordinated by Norway and other Western partners, operates a purpose-built training complex at Camp Jomsborg in eastern Poland where Ukrainian troops face a simulated Russian force. The opposition unit drives Polish-provided T-72 tanks, BMP-1 infantry carriers, drones, motorcycles and ATVs to replicate the mechanized and irregular attacks observed in Ukraine. Maj. John, the S3 Operations Officer, and Brigadier Atle Molde, commander of Task Force Legio, say the goal is to provide “proper realism” by having the mock force act as closely as possible to the actual enemy.

Ukrainian instructors help shape tactics and equipment, updating the drills to mirror changes on the front line. The training grounds feature terrain and trench systems designed to resemble Ukrainian battlefields, while laser simulators and limited explosives add further authenticity. Both sides view the exercise as a two-way learning process, with allies gaining insight from Ukrainian battlefield experience while imparting Western doctrine.