training assignment
EU decides to launch training mission to Ukraine
Ukrainian soldiers take part in a training course to repel an enemy offensive. photo
© -/Ukrinform/dpa
Dozens of German soldiers are to take part in a new training mission for the Ukrainian armed forces in the coming months. It should start in the next few days.
The foreign ministers of the EU states have decided to launch a training mission for Ukrainian armed forces. According to plans for the deployment, around 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers will initially be trained in Germany, Poland and other EU countries, as the Czech EU Council Presidency announced on Monday.
The EU wants to help ensure that the Ukrainian troops can defend themselves even better than before against the attackers from Russia. According to diplomats, this Tuesday was set as the start date.
Bundeswehr plans combat training
As part of the EU mission, the Bundeswehr is planning combat training for companies and tactical exercises for a brigade staff and the subordinate battalion staffs. In addition, there will be training for trainers, medical training and weapon system training in close cooperation with industry. A brigade with up to 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers could be trained in Germany in the coming months. The number will depend primarily on how many soldiers the Ukrainian Defense Ministry can send for training given the ongoing war.
According to information from EU circles, the federal government has promised to fill 80 posts for the mission during the deployment planning. The Bundeswehr also provides the multinational command for specialized training. It will be based in Strausberg, Brandenburg. The EU has already appointed three-star general Andreas Marlow as commander.