EU countries oppose military training for Ukraine on-site

During an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels on August 30, 2024, the topic of training Ukrainian soldiers on-site in Ukraine was discussed. A significant majority of EU countries expressed opposition to this idea, indicating a preference for alternative training locations that are geographically closer to Ukraine. Arnold Kammel, the Secretary-General and Director-General of Defense Policy at the Ministry of Defense, represented Austria's Defense Minister and confirmed the discussions. The meeting also focused on the expansion of the EU training mission for Ukrainian soldiers, known as EUMAM Ukraine. The ministers reached a consensus to extend the mission's mandate until November 15, 2026, although the final decision is still pending. This extension aims to enhance the training capabilities available to Ukrainian forces amid ongoing conflicts. Kammel noted that while there is no specific number of additional Ukrainian soldiers to be trained during this extended period, countries with available capacity could contribute to the training efforts. The financing for the training of Ukrainian troops will be provided through the European Peace Facility (EFF), ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support Ukraine's defense needs. The discussions reflect the EU's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine while navigating the complexities of military training logistics. The reluctance to conduct training on Ukrainian soil underscores concerns about security and the geopolitical implications of such actions, highlighting the delicate balance the EU must maintain in its support for Ukraine.