EU Pushes to Expand Training Scale for Ukraine... Differences in Opinions on Training Within Ukraine

The European Union (EU) discussed on the 30th (local time) plans to expand the scale and extend the duration of training for the Ukrainian military.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told reporters ahead of the informal EU defense ministers' meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, that day, "We will discuss ways to increase the scale of training for the Ukrainian military," adding, "The current target is 60,000 personnel, but we intend to expand this number."

The EU training program, called the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), began in November 2022 at Ukraine's request.

The main training locations are Poland and Germany, which are close to Ukraine. As of May, a cumulative total of 52,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained, with a goal of 60,000 by this summer.

The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic service, has proposed to member states not only to increase the scale but also to extend the EUMAM period by two more years until November 15, 2026.

High Representative Borrell drew a line, stating that conducting this training program within Ukraine is not currently being considered.

In response to related inquiries, he said, "We are considering establishing a 'coordination center' with the Ukrainian military in Kyiv, but there is no agreement on training within Ukrainian territory."

Member states have differing opinions.

Ruben Brekelmans, the Dutch Minister of Defense, expressed openness to discussions about training within Ukraine but said, "It must be a very cautious decision."

Andris Spr?ds, the Latvian Minister of Defense, also stated that training-related plans should be decided by the collective will of the EU, while Germany expressed concerns.

On the other hand, Lithuania and Estonia supported training within Ukrainian territory, according to the dpa news agency.

French President Emmanuel Macron, after a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in June, had expressed his principled agreement to dispatch training instructors to Ukraine.