The European Union has begun preparations to relocate its military training mission from member states to Ukraine, according to Polish Radio on October 27.
EU Initiates Relocation of Training Mission
European Union has started preparing to relocate its military training mission from EU member states to Ukraine, Polish Radio reported on 27 October. Brussels correspondent Beata Płomecka reviewed EU documents on the matter.
Strategic Document Insights
The document states that moving the mission to Ukraine would help guarantee Kyiv’s security after a ceasefire, yet acknowledges Russia’s unchanged aim to alter Europe’s security order and subject Ukraine to its influence. The EU is changing the mission’s mandate to be ready if Moscow is forced to cease hostilities.
It also highlights logistical challenges and risks of deploying troops farther from the frontline, and notes that three training centres in western Ukraine are not fully operational due to insufficient infrastructure and highly skilled staff.
Training Mission Background
Established in autumn 2022, the mission has trained nearly 80,000 soldiers across multiple EU countries, with a large component stationed in Poland. Poland also hosts one of the mission’s headquarters.
Operational Gaps in Ukraine
In western Ukraine, three training centres have been set up, but none are fully operational because of a lack of adequate infrastructure and highly trained training personnel.
Pokrovsk Frontline Situation
Ukrainian authorities report that Russian forces are penetrating into Pokrovsk, a target of their offensive for months, resulting in intense battles and significant casualties on both sides. The General Staff reported dozens of casualties, and recent intelligence indicates that roughly 200 Russian infantry have gathered in the city.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Russians have concentrated their main strike force on the Pokrovsk direction, creating a difficult situation for Ukrainian defenders who are also facing logistical challenges. The UNIAN agency reports that Russians are tasked with capturing the city in the coming weeks.
