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European Union

EU Foreign Policy Chief Calls for Expanded Military Mission in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed broad support among member states for expanding the bloc's military mission to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce. Citing Russia's repeated attacks on Kyiv as a refusal to pursue peace, Kallas emphasized the need for robust and credible security guarantees to prevent a repeat of the 2022 conflict. The EU has trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers so far, and Kallas noted that the bloc must be ready to do more, including placing EU trainers in Ukraine and military academies and institutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kaja Kallas expressed broad support among EU member states to expand the bloc's military mission to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce.
  • Russia's repeated attacks on Kyiv demonstrate the country's refusal to pursue peace, according to Kallas.
  • The EU must provide robust and credible security guarantees to prevent a repeat of the 2022 conflict, including placing EU trainers in Ukraine and military academies and institutions.
  • The EU has trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and this number could increase as the bloc prepares to do more.
  • Kallas emphasized the need for greater coordination with the 'coalition of the willing' and for the EU to take the 'lion's share' of responsibilities in security guarantees.
  • The US will provide the backstop for security guarantees, as noted by Kallas.
  • The EU's military and civilian operations will continue to be evaluated, with potential reviews of mandates and impact for the times to come.
  • Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted the country's 'model' for supporting Ukraine's defense industry, investing around £600 million last year and expecting to reach £1.3-1.4 billion (approximately $1.52-1.64 billion) this year.
  • Poulsen announced that Denmark will soon invite the first Ukrainian defense company to start production inside the country.

Statistics:

  • The EU has trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers so far.
  • Denmark invested around £600 million in Ukraine's defense industry last year and is expected to reach £1.3-1.4 billion (approximately $1.52-1.64 billion) this year.
  • The US will provide the backstop for security guarantees, as noted by Kallas.

Sources:

  • Kaja Kallas and Troels Lund Poulsen, quotes during the press conference in Copenhagen.
  • The European Union's military and civilian operations documents.
  • Denmark's defense spending reports.
  • Statements by the United States on security guarantees.

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