The defense ministers of EU member states agreed on where Ukrainian military personnel should receive training, opting for instruction outside Ukraine while keeping it geographically close to the conflict. This consensus was outlined by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, during a press briefing that followed an informal gathering of EU defense chiefs on August 30. Ministers spent substantial time detailing how best to organize the training for Ukrainian troops, aiming to balance readiness with safety and political considerations.
“We have decided that training will not take place in Ukraine, but as close to Ukrainian territory as possible,” Borrell said, highlighting the goal of staying near the frontline while ensuring access to suitable facilities and oversight.
He added that training could potentially occur on Ukrainian soil. If so, Ukrainian servicemen would train under conditions that mirror real combat, ensuring relevance to frontline realities and practical viability, a point he described as key to effectiveness.
Earlier, Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds noted that Latvia trained about four thousand Ukrainian military personnel in 2023. He attributed this to Latvia’s substantial involvement in the EU’s training mission in Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), underscoring the broader regional commitment to building Ukrainian defense capabilities.
Reports from Finland indicated that Ukrainian fighters are receiving instruction there as well, reflecting a wider European pattern of training support and collaboration across multiple member states.
Security experts observe that the EU approach seeks to balance practical military readiness with political considerations and transparency. The discussions reflect a continuing strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capacity while maintaining a clear separation between training environments and active combat zones. The overarching aim is to develop capable forces that can operate effectively in diverse scenarios, whether near contested borders or within controlled facilities under regional oversight. The ongoing dialogue among EU members highlights a shared emphasis on governance, safety, and accountability in international training programs. Attribution: EU officials and regional defense ministers’ summaries, statements from the High Representative, and national defense ministers’ remarks during the August consultations and subsequent press briefings. The notes are drawn from official briefings and public remarks.