So that Ukraine can better defend itself against Russia, the European Union wants to train thousands of Ukrainian soldiers: These are plans that the foreign ministers of the member countries want to seal on Monday in Luxembourg:
What is planned?
The new “EU Military Assistance Mission” (EUMAM) Ukraine is initially set to last two years. According to diplomats, the member countries want to train around 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Officially, the mission will start on Monday as soon as the EU foreign ministers have approved it. It is by far the largest mission of the EU. “We have never trained so many soldiers in so many different areas,” says an EU diplomat.
What role does Germany play?
Federal Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht from the SPD has announced a “significant contribution”. According to reports, Germany wants to train a third of the Ukrainian soldiers, i.e. around 5,000. The Bundeswehr is to set up a headquarters for this purpose. Since the Russian war of aggression began on February 24, around 800 Ukrainian soldiers have been training in Germany.
Is Germany a leading nation?
No, this role is claimed by Poland. The fact that the government in Warsaw demanded a central headquarters for the mission caused displeasure in Brussels. After tough negotiations, a larger base is now being established in Poland and a smaller one in Germany. Poland sees itself as an advocate of Ukrainian interests in the EU.
What should the Ukrainian soldiers learn?
New recruits can go through basic training. Special training is available for more experienced soldiers. In Germany, for example, they should learn how to use the IRIS-T SLM air defense system. The German government has delivered the first of these systems to the Ukraine, with three more to follow next year. In addition, mine detection can be trained, but also protection against ABC weapons and drone defense.
Are German soldiers sent to Ukraine?
The German government has ruled this out just as categorically as other EU countries from sending their soldiers. In that case, the argument went, all of Europe would be drawn into the Russian war.
What is the added value of the mission?
According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, it is intended to “bundle” the member states’ bilateral aid to Ukraine. A higher-level Brussels headquarters is to coordinate this.
How much is it?
According to EU diplomats, the costs are estimated at 50 to 60 million euros a year. The EUMAM Ukraine is to be financed from the so-called European Peace Facility (EPF). This is a fund of 5.7 billion euros outside the EU budget, of which Germany, as the largest economy, finances around a fifth. From the EPF fund, the EU has so far financed joint arms purchases for Ukraine in the amount of 2.5 billion euros. The foreign ministers now want to increase this amount to a good three billion.
