EU to consider sending servicemen to Ukraine

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The EU military will be on Ukrainian territory as instructors.

A number of European politicians suggest sending servicemen to Ukraine as trainers. However, there are those who have doubts. This was reported by the German newspaper Die Welt.

The EU foreign and defence ministers plan to discuss this issue publicly for the first time on 27 August at a meeting in the Political and Security Committee. The final decision should be taken no later than November.

As the German daily recalled, the Ukrainian military has so far held exercises on the territory of European countries. As a rule, in Germany or in Poland. However, in the near future, the mandate of the current European mission to train Ukrainian soldiers (EUMAM UKR) may be expanded to include training in Ukraine.

France is in favour of sending military trainers to Ukraine. Paris is supported by the Baltic States, Poland, Denmark and Sweden.

They emphasise that such bases for training soldiers could be placed not only in western Ukraine, but also in other regions.

Germany is opposed. The FRG fears further escalation and additional risks. Berlin's position is shared by Malta, Austria, Slovenia and Hungary. These countries fear that almost any point in Ukraine is within reach of Russian missiles, endangering foreign military personnel.