The EU’s top diplomat argues that extending the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) to train Ukrainian soldiers on Ukrainian soil could serve as a security guarantee.
There is “broad support” among EU member states to extend the mission following a ceasefire, Kaja Kallas said after a meeting of defence ministers in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since its launch in November 2022, EU armed forces have trained some 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers at sites across Europe.
Changing the mandate, in which 24 EU member states and Norway participate, would require unanimity. Kallas highlighted a difference in views among capitals: some favour extending the mission only after a ceasefire is reached, while others want it ready to enter into force immediately once hostilities stop.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds said Latvia would participate as part of the “Coalition of the Willing” but stressed the need for clear parameters of a ceasefire or peace agreement. His Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur, echoed this, noting that Ukraine must be ready first. Both emphasised the complexity of logistics and security even after a truce.
Kallas argued that sending European military trainers to Ukraine could constitute one of the security guarantees the EU might provide in the event of a truce. These discussions are taking place mainly within the Coalition of the Willing, involving around 30 mostly European countries, which are mapping out what support they could provide to deter further aggression.
Kyiv considers NATO and EU memberships as ultimate security guarantees but continues to request military equipment, training, and intelligence support. European allies, led by France and the UK, are working to establish a “reassurance force” with European troops deployed to no-contact areas in Ukraine. Countries hesitant to participate have said US involvement would be necessary. Donald Trump has ruled out sending US ground troops but offered air and missile cover and additional intelligence support.
Kallas stressed that Europeans must lead security guarantees and that EUMAM training could play a central role once a truce is in place. She added that credible security guarantees require both military and civilian EU missions.
The ministers also discussed strengthening Ukraine’s defence and closing EU military capability gaps. Nine priority areas have been identified, including air defence and drones, with a €150 billion loan scheme proposed to procure equipment faster and at lower cost. Member states aim to assign a “lead nation” for each priority area and finalize contracts by the end of October.