Records of preparation of Ukraine's Defense Forces
German instructors, together with partners, have set a record in training Ukraine's Defense Forces, training over 85,000 servicemen by the beginning of 2026. As of early 2026, more than 85,000 Ukrainian servicemen have undergone training in the European Union. The EUMAM Ukraine training program started in October 2022 and has been actively implemented in Germany since then.
Only in Germany, over the past three years, about 23,000 soldiers from Ukraine have been trained within the framework of the EUMAM Ukraine training mission. Training takes place at 30 bases across Germany, and instructors from 13 countries are involved in the training. The mission has officially been extended until the end of 2026, with the possibility of further prolongation. The financing of the mission is carried out through the European Peace Facility (EPF), and in 2025, the mission's budget was revised upwards.
Key training directions
The key training directions include:
- Operators of complex air defense systems, where crew training is conducted for Patriot, IRIS-T, and SAMP/T systems.
- A coalition of naval capabilities, which involves training crews to operate transferred minesweepers and boats.
- Drone-centric warfare, where specialized courses are offered for FPV drone pilots.
- Staff training, which covers the training of mid-level and senior officers.
According to a German officer, in such cases, the instructors themselves find themselves in the role of students, as they gain real combat experience from Ukrainians to adapt their methodologies.
“The program will continue as long as it is needed for Ukraine's victory,” said Detlef Schachel.Thus, international cooperation in the field of military training continues to strengthen Ukraine's Defense Forces, which is an important stage in ensuring security and stability in the region.
This training program not only enhances the combat readiness of Ukrainian troops but also contributes to strengthening international support for Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the context of ongoing military aggression, such cooperation between EU countries and Ukraine becomes increasingly relevant, as it ensures the preparedness of soldiers for modern challenges on the battlefield. The continuation of the EUMAM Ukraine mission until the end of 2026 also signifies the international community's readiness to support Ukraine in its efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.