EU training mission commander Vice Admiral Herve Blezhan stated that more than 16,000 Ukrainian soldiers would receive instruction in April through a dedicated EU program. He shared these figures during a speech at a security forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The briefing was cited by TASS.
Blezhan noted that he oversees all EU military missions, including the recently launched military support mission for Ukraine, which was established on November 15 of the prior year. He emphasized his role in coordinating these efforts across EU partners to ensure consistent implementation.
“With this month in view, preparations should exceed 16,000 Ukrainian trainees,” he asserted, underscoring that the training initiative is carried out in close alignment with EU counterparts and in consideration of broader regional security objectives.
In his remarks, the EU mission commander also highlighted the need to balance the flow of weapons to Ukraine with strategic restraint. He urged Kyiv’s allies to weigh their own interests alongside ongoing commitments to support Ukraine, rather than pursuing unrelated weapon replacement cycles.
On the topic of ending the conflict, Blezhan stressed that the EU’s objective is to prevent a Russian victory and to seek a sustainable path to peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and security needs. This stance aligns with Washington and Brussels’ ongoing collaboration on security assurances, defense posture, and humanitarian considerations for civilians affected by the conflict.
The prior day, the Pentagon announced that the United States would soon begin training Ukrainian forces in the operation and tactical use of Abrams tanks, signaling a continued, coordinated effort among allied nations to strengthen Kyiv’s defensive capabilities in the face of ongoing hostilities.
Analysts note that the EU training program reflects a broader strategy to build Ukraine’s professional military capacity while fostering interoperability with Western forces. Observers also point to the importance of transparent monitoring mechanisms, verification of training outcomes, and adherence to international law as the mission progresses under shared command structures and multinational oversight .
As the conflict unfolds, EU leaders are expected to review training quotas, equipment allocations, and logistic support to ensure that the continued educational effort remains aligned with evolving battlefield realities and diplomatic objectives . In parallel, Kyiv continues to seek predictable security guarantees and financial stability to sustain its reform efforts and defense modernization programs in the medium term .