Ukraine 2 years on: Reflections with Colonel Tim Collins OBE

Colonel Tim Collins OBE, who delivered a world-famous speech to his troops on the eve of battle in Iraq, will be in Jersey, speaking at a public event hosted by Jersey Overseas Aid, Jersey’s official, publicly-funded aid and development agency.

The free event, which takes place on 23rd February, the eve of the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, at Jersey Arts Centre, will see Colonel Collins joined by Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert Ben Remfrey MBE. The two highly-experienced military veterans will share insights about war in Ukraine, discuss the changing nature of conflict, and review the complex relationship between humanitarian organisations and the military.

“As we approach two years since the devastating conflict began, the need for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine continues,” said Chair of the JOA Commission,
Deputy Carolyn Labey. “Jersey has stood by the people of Ukraine since the beginning, and one of the major pillars of our support has been training civilians – especially women – on de-mining and bomb disposal. I’m so proud that we have played a major part in neutralising some of the millions of mines and unexploded munitions, and that we’ve done so through a charity with strong Channel Islands connections.”

Colonel Collins is the patron of Jersey charity, Friends of Ukraine EOD, which delivers specialist, accredited bomb disposal training to Ukrainian nationals, many of them women. Ben Remfrey established the Charity in 2022 in Guernsey, but the organisation has recently moved to Jersey, where most of its support has originated. Jerseyman Peter Le Sueur OBE is one of the senior instructors at the training centre in Kosovo, and has over 50 years of experience in the sector.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a critical need for assistance in addressing the widespread threat from unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). Over 250,000 explosive devices have already been removed and destroyed since March 2022, but millions more persist. Jersey has now trained 51 Ukrainian civilians to international standards of explosive ordnance disposal.