The Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration, Oleksandr Balanutsa, discussed with the commander of the EU Military Staff, Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, the need to extend the EU's EUMAM mission for training Ukrainian troops. 

To date, thanks to the initiative of partners, more than 52,000 Ukrainian soldiers, sergeants, and officers have undergone training, which exceeds the announced expectations by more than 3 times. 

«The Armed Forces of Ukraine are currently forming new brigades, and we need our people to undergo quality training. Therefore, it’s important for us that the EUMAM be extended. We’re grateful for the training of Ukrainian troops and urge to maintain the volumes and pace», – called Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksandr Balanutsa.

The EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine practically started in the fall of 2022 after a meeting of the 27 EU defense ministers and was designed for 2 years. However, it can be extended if necessary, which is the focus of negotiations between Ukrainian military leadership and EU leaders.

«I support the extension of the training and preparation of Ukrainian troops within the framework of the EUMAM. We thank Ukraine for its fight against russian aggression and must do everything we can to help it», – stated the commander of the EU Military Staff, Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan.