Hungary’s position has emerged as a significant roadblock to the formal extension of the EU’s training program for Ukrainian soldiers, which is set to expire later this year. According to a report from Semafor, multiple sources indicate that EU member states are prepared to extend the training program through 2026. This mission is spearheaded by German Colonel Niels Janeke, who leads the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). Lieutenant Colonel Roland Bosker, another German officer involved, noted that training plans for the years 2025 and 2026 have already been established. However, a final decision from the European Council is still pending. An anonymous European official revealed that discussions regarding the extension are in their final stages, suggesting that Hungary’s objections, rooted in its criticism of Brussels’ handling of the Ukraine conflict, are causing delays. Hungary has also refrained from providing military assistance to Ukraine.
Since its initiation in 2022, the training mission has seen participation from 24 EU member states, with Germany and Poland serving as the primary hosts. Over 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have successfully completed training courses designed to enhance their combat capabilities against Russian forces. Alongside instruction, Ukrainian soldiers are also receiving equipment funded through the European Peace Facility, a financial channel utilized to meet Kiev’s military requests. However, the efficacy of this training has come under scrutiny. Some Ukrainian trainees have reported that the training provided does not accurately reflect the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict, suggesting that the instruction may not be adequately aligned with the conditions they face on the frontlines.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) has recommended extending the training initiative by an additional two years, anticipating that it would be less complicated than relocating the training to Ukraine, which would necessitate the deployment of NATO troops. This option, first disclosed by the German newspaper Die Welt, was proposed as a more feasible alternative amidst ongoing discussions regarding military assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously raised the idea of potentially sending NATO troops into Ukraine, hoping to galvanize other Western leaders to contemplate the notion. While some officials, such as Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, have voiced support for a training mission within Ukraine, others in the EU remain reluctant to place their troops in the country.
In addition to the primary training mission facilitated by the EU, there are several other military training initiatives for Ukraine organized by various EU member states. Recently, Macron highlighted the training of Ukrainian forces conducted by French military personnel at a facility located in the northeast region of France. This showcases the multifaceted approach that EU nations are employing to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities in the face of Russian aggression. Despite the criticisms regarding the existing training program, the overarching goal remains to bolster Ukraine’s defense through collective European efforts.
The discussions surrounding the training program’s extension reflect the complexities of European politics and the differing stances among member states regarding Ukraine. While there seems to be a collective desire among many EU nations to continue supporting Ukraine militarily, Hungary’s opposition indicates ongoing tensions within the bloc. Hungary’s government has consistently criticized the EU’s handling of the conflict and has maintained a neutral position regarding military involvement. This situation underscores the challenges of maintaining unified support among diverse member states, each with its individual national interests and perspectives on the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Hungary will ultimately concede to the majority consensus on extending the training program. The involvement of other EU member states in training Ukrainian soldiers demonstrates a commitment to international solidarity in the face of aggression. However, the need for effective, relevant training that responds to the realities on the ground in Ukraine must continue to be a focal point of discussion and strategy in ensuring that these efforts yield tangible results in supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia. As the European Council prepares to make a decision, the future of the training program and Hungary’s role within these ongoing discussions will be pivotal in shaping the continued support for Ukraine in this uncertain geopolitical landscape.