The European Union will expand its training program for Ukrainian soldiers, raising the goal to 75,000 troops as the war in Ukraine continues to rage.
At a Glance
- EU defense ministers reaffirmed the decision to conduct training near Ukrainian borders but not within Ukraine.
- The training program initially aimed to train 60,000 soldiers in 2023 but has now increased the target to 75,000 by the end of 2024.
- A special communications center will be established in Kyiv to ensure coordination.
- Proposals to train within Ukraine met with divided opinions among EU member states.
EU Military Assistance Mission Details
EU defense ministers have chosen to keep military drills for Ukrainian soldiers close to their borders, rather than on Ukrainian soil. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, emphasized the benefits of training closer to the battlefield but acknowledged divisions among member states on this issue.
“Finally, we decided that the training will be as close as possible to Ukraine, but not in Ukrainian territory,” Borrell announced.
The EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), initiated in October 2022, primarily conducts training in Poland and Germany. The program, which initially targeted 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers in 2023, has now set a higher goal of training 75,000 soldiers by the end of 2024. Plans for shifting training some operations to Ukrainian territory are being considered.
A coordination center will be established in Kyiv to ensure seamless communication between Ukraine and its partners. Despite the suggestion to train soldiers within Ukraine gaining some support from states like Estonia, France, and Sweden, opposition from Hungary and concerns for safety have led to the conclusion of training outside Ukraine’s borders.
Proposals for training on Ukrainian soil created a division among EU member states. While some countries recognize the strategic benefits of proximity to active conflict zones, safety concerns and logistical challenges remain substantial deterrents. Even so, the EU keeps exploring options to tailor training more closely to Kyiv’s specific needs.
High-ranking officials have so far been unable to agree on the optimal location for training, though those same officials have agreed it will not take place on Ukrainian soil.
“Finally, we decided that the training will be as close as possible to Ukraine, but not in Ukrainian territory,” Borrell explained.
Berlin and Washington have expressed opposition to relaxing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of supplied arms, especially regarding targeting within Russian territory. This position appears to disagree with Borrell’s suggestions, indicating diverging views within the alliance. Luxembourg’s ex-premier, Kaja Kallas, is expected to replace Borrell later this year, which may shift the policy dynamics.
As the training program progresses, EU states continue to debate various aspects of cooperation with Ukraine. Discussions focus not only on training locations but also on the type of military support to provide. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged member states to expedite arms deliveries and adapt the training missions to better fit the evolving needs of Ukrainian forces.
