EU will for the first time officially deploy a military mission in Ukraine

The EU Council, as part of its decision to extend its military training mission for Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), announced for the first time its intention to officially establish a military presence in Ukraine, the size of which has not been specified.

This is stated in a declaration by the EU Council.

"This decision was taken in the context of the EUMAM strategic review. As a result, the Council also decided to establish a presence in Ukraine to ensure direct coordination with Ukrainian military authorities and partner countries, and to guarantee that European training evolves in line with the requests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the document states.

The EU mission for training the Armed Forces of Ukraine was launched in 2022, and Brussels had until now consistently maintained that all of its activities were carried out in Europe.

On November 9, the EU Council extended the military mission in Ukraine for two years — until November 15, 2028, expanded its mandate, and agreed on a budget of 300 million euros for the entire period.