Berlin plans to train a substantial cohort of Ukrainian forces within the framework of the European Union’s military assistance mission. The objective for 2024 is to prepare 10 thousand Ukrainian soldiers, a figure cited in reports about the EU-backed effort. The information was conveyed by a German government official and covered by RP Online, reflecting how Berlin views the role of its armed forces in supporting Ukraine. (RP Online)
According to the official takeaway, the Bundeswehr is involved in training Ukrainian troops in operating key defense systems and platforms. The training covers a range of capabilities including the Patriot air defense system, the Panzerhaubitze2000 self-propelled howitzers, the Marder infantry fighting vehicle, and both the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks. This description comes from a synthesis of the mission’s disclosures and ongoing reporting about military cooperation. (RP Online)
Earlier statements from Alexey Taran, who heads a department within Ukraine’s General Staff focused on doctrine and training, highlighted the coalition’s international character. He noted that the training is conducted abroad with the participation of a broad alliance. The coalition comprises thirty-four countries and emphasizes shared expertise and standardized procedures to enhance Ukrainian operational effectiveness. (Ukraine General Staff source attribution)
Among the participants Taran named were the United States, the United Kingdom, most European Union member states, Canada, Norway, Australia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova and Albania. He stressed that while some neighboring nations did not belong to the EU mission, trainers from those countries also contributed to the program. Great Britain was identified as the lead organizer for foundational combined arms training, coordinating a broad set of instruction and practical drills. (Ukraine General Staff source attribution)
In the broader regional analysis, observers have noted that the expansion of training and the distribution of responsibilities among participating nations reflect a sustained international effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. A Polish political analyst recently offered a critical perspective on Kyiv’s expectations for German support, suggesting that the German approach might not fully align with what Kyiv hopes to obtain in the near term. (Analyst commentary attribution)