KYIV / ISTANBUL

Ukrainian soldiers in the frontline in eastern Ukraine are receiving training from off-road trainers to learn how to drive in difficult conditions and terrain, as Russia’s “special military operation” entered its ninth month.

"We help personnel on duty in the front so that accidents do not occur and they continue their duties without any problems," off-road trainer Andriy Belyayev said in an interview with Anadolu Agency on Sunday, adding that their aim is to teach techniques to soldiers who drive in difficult terrain conditions.

Belyayev noted that before the Moscow-Kyiv war started in February, they were organizing field races in this area.

"Now, thanks to the 114th Regional Defense Brigade of the Ukrainian army, we serve the Ukrainian Armed Forces," Belyayev said.

Krzysztof Kopala, a Polish off-road trainer who voluntarily gives training in the same field, separately said that while mostly soldiers undergo training for off-road driving, they also help volunteers who want to receive training as well.

"It is very important to give this training to the soldiers because there are difficult terrain conditions everywhere on the frontline where the war continues. But off-road vehicles are very important not only for the transportation of military personnel but also for the evacuation of the wounded,” Kopala said.

He added that volunteers also undergo training because so many people support the soldiers.

“They frequently enter the fronts, unfortunately sometimes they stay in the attack. That's why they should know how to get out of the situation they are in," he also said.