Ukrainian troops are training just beyond the war's reach on NATO soil. Training leaders say that's by design.

Norway is leading new Western training for Ukrainian troops that's held in Poland, close to Ukraine's border.

Synne Nilsson / Forsvaret

New training on NATO soil for Ukrainian soldiers learning Western best practices for their fight against Russia's invasion has been set up on the war's doorstep, purposefully so.The training camp's location helps Ukrainian soldiers get to training quickly, while a steady flow of Ukrainian commanders, instructors, and returning front-line feedback helps keep the curriculum current.Operation Legio is led by Norway, with several other allies involved, at the purpose-built Camp Jomsborg in eastern Poland, roughly two hours from the Ukrainian border.Other allies have provided training to Ukrainian troops at locations farther away, such as the UK-led Operation Interflex. Legio is closer to the fighting.Maj. John, the S3 Operations Officer in charge of synchronizing the overall training operation, told Business Insider at the camp that "we're actually closer to the eastern front being in eastern Poland than we are to our own capital in Norway."Brigadier Atle Molde, the commander of Task Force Legio, told Business Insider that the location was deliberate. "Very early in this process, we decided that our approach should be to be able to deliver high-quality training, flexible and adaptable to the changing situation on the front and as close to Ukraine as possible."Both officials said the location makes it easier for Ukrainian troops to reach the camp for training, preserving valuable time, while also tightening the feedback loop between instructors and the battlefield for more realistic training.NATO has said that "due to its close proximity to the Ukrainian border, Camp Jomsborg is an ideal place for Ukrainian forces to sharpen their skills."More time for trainingMolde said the decision was practical, aimed at giving Ukrainian troops as much training as possible. A site further away would involve sending soldiers and equipment on aircraft across Europe, something that is "much more expensive, takes more time, takes more time away from training."