US shifts approach to training Ukrainian troops in Germany
Illustrative photo: US to train Ukrainian soldiers in a new way (Getty Images)
Active US Army units already stationed in Germany are beginning to take over the training of Ukrainian military personnel. The mission is being transitioned to a more permanent basis, according to Stars and Stripes.
The Vermont National Guard’s 86th Infantry Brigade (Mountain) completed its rotation leading the training mission for Ukrainian forces on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Tower Barracks military base in Grafenwöhr, Germany.
Training for Ukrainian military personnel will continue in Bavaria at US military bases and training grounds. However, it will now be the responsibility of active US Army units in Europe and Africa, as well as the 7th Army Training Command, which are already present in the region.
According to Stars and Stripes, the changes may be part of a larger reorganization aimed at using existing resources more efficiently and avoiding duplication of functions.
"The colors casing for Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine marks a shift for how we will support training requirements for our Ukrainian partners on a more permanent and sustainable path," said Colonel Michael Weisman, senior US Army representative in Europe.
At the same time, he emphasized that the changes do not reduce US Army support for Ukraine.
The training mission began in Yavoriv, Ukraine, in 2015, - a year after Russia annexed Crimea. In 2022, following the full-scale invasion by Russia, it was relocated to Grafenwöhr, Germany.
Incidentally, NATO soldiers previously acknowledged that Ukraine has advantages over the Alliance in certain aspects of warfare, particularly in faster decision-making.
