A European Union training mission for Ukrainian soldiers will start in Poland in November. It is planned to train at least 15,000 people in the first stage.

As one of the EU experts involved in the creation of the mission said, the number of trained soldiers will probably later be higher than the assumed minimum. The vast majority of them are expected to be trained in Poland. This was one of the suggestions from the Ukrainian side. “It is about the movement of troops and time plays a key role here”, the EU expert confirmed.

The mission is to provide the troops with first of all basic training to prepare them to fight the Russians on the frontline. The main emphasis will be on the use and maintenance of weapons, the development of shooting skills, training in first aid, including wound treatment, followed by specialist training – artillery or sniper training.

The entire mission is likely to be operationally managed by the Polish command, which will be located in Rzeszów. The establishment of a branch of the training mission in Germany is also envisaged.

The mission’s initial budget, set for two years, is €106 million. The money will be used to establish an operational command and, among other things, for food. Each country will maintain its own military experts.

Importantly, the EU mission will in no way compete with NATO. The UK, which remains outside EU structures, has already been invited to take part.

Experts emphasise that in addition to the guarantee of training, the European Union mission is also important for Ukraine because of its aspiration for EU membership and integration in various areas into the structures of the European community.

Adrian Andrzejewski