EU prepares first step in sending military instructors to Ukraine, - Welt.

The European Union plans to discuss for the first Time sending military instructors to Ukraine. According to the German publication Welt, this may happen at the next meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers. In addition, the issue is also planned to be discussed on August 27 in the EU Political and Security Committee.

The initiative is being considered in response to a request from the Ukrainian authorities to the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell on May 31.

Among the EU member countries, there are already differences on this issue. France, the Baltic countries, Denmark, and Sweden are in favor of sending instructors, while Austria, Hungary, Germany, Malta, and Slovenia are against it, fearing a possible escalation of the conflict.

The discussion on this topic is taking place against the backdrop of preparations to extend the mandate of the European Training Mission for the Ukrainian military (EUMAM UKR) for two years. Currently, training is conducted exclusively on EU territory, primarily in Germany and Poland. In the event of a positive decision, the mission's mandate may be expanded to conduct training directly in Ukraine.

According to Welt, the basis for the discussions will be a confidential document from the European External Action Service titled Strategic Review of the EU Training Mission in Ukraine. It states, in particular, that the EU expects the Armed Forces of Ukraine to be reinforced by another 150,000 recruits and the creation of ten new infantry brigades as a result of mobilization.

It is worth noting that the idea of sending Western military instructors to Ukraine gained relevance in early 2024 following statements by French President Emmanuel Macron. This sparked a broad discussion in European countries about the potential risks and consequences of such a step. A final decision on extending the EUMAM UKR mission's mandate and the possible sending of instructors to Ukraine is expected after a series of discussions at various EU levels.