Montenegro joins EU mission to train Ukrainian troops
Montenegro joins EU mission to train Ukrainian troops (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Montenegro's parliament has approved a decision to send members of its armed forces to the European Union's military assistance mission for Ukraine, according to Radio Slobodna Evropa.
According to the outlet, 49 out of 81 members of parliament voted in favor of the resolution, nine months after the proposal was submitted for consideration.
The explanatory note to the decision states that the purpose of Montenegro's participation is to strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in defending the country's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as to deter aggression from Russia and potential threats from other states.
Montenegro's Defense Minister Dragan Krapović emphasized that Montenegrin troops will not be stationed in Ukraine.
"I want this to be absolutely clear. I will never support such a move. All activities under this mission are conducted on EU territory — in Poland and Germany," he stated.
Training Ukrainian troops
The European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established on October 17, 2022, with an initial two-year mandate and is funded by the European Peace Facility.
Under this program, Ukrainian military personnel are trained in several participating EU countries.
In November 2024, EU ambassadors extended the mission for another two years, through 2026.
Additionally, the United Kingdom has previously announced its intention to send military instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel.
Ukrainian basic military training instructors are also set to receive training in Lithuania in 2025.
