EU calls for adjustments to training mission in Ukraine amid war concerns

The European Union’s diplomatic service has recommended that member states adapt their military training mission for Ukraine to better align with Kiev’s needs, according to a report by German weekly Welt am Sonntag. However, he stopped short of advising the deployment of EU military instructors to the war-torn nation.

Despite training some 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers, mainly in Poland and Germany, from November 2022, EUMAM’s mission is being extended for another two years once its current mandate expires in mid-November. The EU review highlighted the need to train Ukrainian soldiers using the same equipment they will deploy in combat.

Challenges such as a shortage of Soviet-era equipment and member states’ fears of being drawn into the conflict have complicated training efforts. While the possibility of training on Ukrainian soil was discussed, concerns were raised about Russia being perceived as a challenge. The review concluded that the deployment of EU military personnel to Ukraine is feasible under certain conditions, calling for further analysis of potential risks and benefits.

(With contributions from agencies.)