ua en ru

EU considers new format for Ukrainian military training mission inside Ukraine

EU considers new format for Ukrainian military training mission inside Ukraine Illustrative photo: Ukrainian soldier (Getty Images)
Author: Bohdan Babaiev

The European Union is preparing to make a decision on conducting training for Ukrainian military personnel inside the country itself, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

Specifically, the possibility of training Ukrainian troops in Ukraine is being considered within the framework of two strategic reviews: the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM), which is responsible for strengthening the civilian security sector, and the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM).

Ukrainian military training

The EUMAM mission has trained about 80,000 Ukrainian service members in EU member states. However, Brussels is increasingly discussing the possibility of moving part of the training directly into Ukraine.

EUMAM's strategic review notes that three training centers have already been established in western Ukraine. These centers are intended for preparing military personnel. However, none of them are currently operating at full capacity due to a lack of proper infrastructure and qualified foreign instructors.

"The text points out several drawbacks to the EU mission’s lack of a presence on the ground in Ukraine, such as the logistical burden and the danger of Ukrainian troops having to travel far from the front line for training," Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

Additionally, training in the EU under peacetime conditions limits the effective use of drones and electronic warfare tools, which are actively employed in the ongoing conflict.

At the same time, EUMAM's strategic review acknowledges that relocating part or all of the mission's structures directly to Ukraine will only be possible if a ceasefire or another form of truce is established.

Such a deployment would require coordination with the United States or security guarantees from them.

Furthermore, EUAM's strategic review outlines plans to expand the mission’s activities:

  • Strengthening Ukraine's ability to control borders with Russia and Belarus.
  • Ensuring the presence of EU representatives along potential frontlines if a ceasefire agreement is reached.

EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM)

The EU Military Assistance Mission, EUMAM, was established at the end of 2022 in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. It is considered one of the EU's most successful initiatives in supporting Ukraine.

Since its launch, fifteen Ukrainian combat brigades have undergone training in 18 EU member states. The mission has implemented over 1,750 training modules, ranging from basic drills to practical exercises using F-16 and Mirage fighter jets.

Kyiv has repeatedly emphasized the importance of conducting part of the training directly in Ukraine. The country also aims to increase the number of trained service members from the current 4,000 to 20,000 per month.

Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that European countries plan to send military instructors to Ukraine.