The weapons instructor shows his phone and jokes happily with his Ukrainian colleague as the gunboat bounces forward inland. On the Swede's shoulder are two blue-and-yellow flags.
It's big. I've grasped it more and more now, says instructor Gustav, whose real name is something else, about being part of Sweden's contribution to Ukraine's defense.
The Navy has been training Ukrainian soldiers in Swedish-made combat boats for some time, but it is only now that the operation is becoming public.
Much is shrouded in secrecy, the full names and faces of the participants must be kept secret. What is known is that the training has been shortened to less than a third of that for a conscript.
Gustav, who instructs in the gun turret's 12.7-millimeter heavy machine gun, has increasingly come to the realization that he may never see his students again and that every training moment could be the difference between life and death.
"I definitely would have liked more time," he says.
Large Swedish donation
On a British and Norwegian initiative, a coalition was established in 2023 to strengthen Ukraine's naval forces, and in February 2024, Sweden donated 10 combat boats and 20 group boats to the Ukrainian defense.
The training also started. The 38-year-old Ukrainian soldier Dmitriy, whose family lives in Kiev, briefly says that he is happy to be in Sweden.
It was the right decision, I came here to learn.
He, who is only identified by the number 030 on his camouflage-colored uniform, was already serving in the Ukrainian Navy when he received the offer, while other participants have no or almost no naval experience.
At most, someone has driven a tractor on the family farm, he says.
Learn through an interpreter
The training is conducted via an interpreter, language is a difficult circumstance for the instructors to understand their students, but there are also cultural differences.
The Ukrainian soldiers are described as extremely motivated but almost never admit when they make mistakes or when they do not understand orders, the instructors say, which means they have to be tested through practical exercises.
"I want to come home as soon as possible and defend my country," says 49-year-old soldier Volodymyr.
He too is grateful for Sweden's efforts.
They are an understanding people, a people who want to share their knowledge and help us defeat the enemy. I am convinced that they can help us win the war.
The Battleship 90 was developed by Saab for the Swedish Amphibious Corps to transport troops and equipment in an archipelago environment. It reaches speeds of 40 knots, is very shallow, and is therefore well suited to Swedish waters. But also in the delta along the Black Sea coast and in the Sea of Azov, where the Ukrainian defense operates.
This boat gives us the opportunity to get up to the same level as the Russians out at sea, says Dmitri.
Need more weapons support
Combat boat 90 is also built for combat and rapid landing. Ukraine needs support to continue protecting civilian shipping, especially the large grain shipments, and clearing Russian mines.
The inventive defense has already managed to knock out several ships in the Russian Black Sea Fleet through unmanned underwater drones.
The Navy has done everything we can to tailor the training. It is adapted to their needs, says Commander Marko Petkovic.
Dmitry was previously stationed in the port city of Mykolaiv and was about ten kilometers from Russian troops this spring. During the three and a half years that the war has raged, he has lost many friends in Russian bombings of civilian infrastructure. The conflict has now entered a phase where Ukraine cannot repel the enemy, he says, and emphasizes the need for more weapons support.
Much more, the sooner the better.
When the interview is done, he has a week to go, then he will return to the front. When asked what he thinks of the Russian soldiers, he answers:
What do you think about people who want to kill you?
Can't trust the US
Volodymyr, with slightly graying hair and the number 043 on his uniform, gives a collected impression, just like his colleague. But when the question of US President Donald Trump comes up, his mood turns. He accuses Trump of taking advantage of Ukraine.
The US has said that it is the guarantor of our security, but it is after our natural resources. What Trump is doing is not being a guarantor of security.
What do you think about Trump?
He is not a president, he is a fraud. People are dying here. Old people, children, civilians.
Ukraine will have to rely entirely on Europe in the future, according to Volodymyr, who then posts the text about what he thinks of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He is not a human being, he does not belong on this earth. He belongs in the ground.
Approximately 15 meters long and 3.8 meters wide.
Powered by twin V8 engines with waterjet propulsion – which increases maneuverability.
Can reach speeds of 40 knots.
Crewed by three people and can transport up to 18 soldiers (half a platoon).
Built for transporting troops and equipment, reconnaissance and combat in an archipelago environment.
Developed by the defense group Saab.
Manufactured at the shipyard in Docksta.
Established by the United Kingdom and Norway together with Ukraine in 2023.
The coalition consists of Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, France, Sweden, Portugal, Poland, Romania and Turkey.
Finland, Iceland and Canada are also contributing but are not yet members of the coalition.
The purpose is to secure civil shipping and support Ukraine's defense.
Contributions include boats and ships, surveillance equipment, mine clearance equipment, helicopters, training and technical support.
