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The alarming signals emerging from Europe should not be taken lightly. The European Defense Ministers have recently displayed overwhelming enthusiasm for sending military instructors to Ukraine. This is the first step towards establishing a security guarantee for Ukraine amid the chaos caused by Russia. As the high representative of European foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, revealed, the ministers discussed expanding the mandate of the Eumam Ukraine mission to train Ukrainian soldiers beyond European borders, though this would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU nations!
So far, around 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received training on European soil, including in Spain, since this operation began in November 2022. But let’s not forget that changing the mission’s mandate is no small feat; it requires complete agreement from all member states, and we know that Hungary is already hesitant!
The Growing Dependence on American Leadership
Kallas hinted that this defense meeting in Copenhagen was influenced by the ongoing diplomatic push from none other than former President Donald Trump to bring an end to the war. This initial move aims to show “the European commitment” to assume their responsibilities in safeguarding stability. But let’s be clear; the EU’s willingness to engage in resolving the conflict is limited, and they desperately want to show they have Washington’s approval, which has notably stayed away from deploying ground troops.
“The Americans,” Kallas proclaimed, “have been very clear: Europeans must lead.” How ironic is it that they need to be reminded of their own responsibilities? Training European forces is essential, but let’s be real—taking this initiative to Ukrainian soil should only happen once a truce is confirmed. This is not just training; this is about demonstrating power!
“We can’t just hope for a peace that’s fair and lasting without credible security guarantees,” Kallas added. And what does that mean? It means EU military training is not just an option—it’s a necessity to ensure the kind of peace Brussels keeps talking about!
Despite the supposed “broad support” for this initiative, it’s crucial to recognize that Hungary is one of the few dissenters, which proves the challenges that lie ahead. And let’s not kid ourselves: If the EU tries to go down exceptional paths to achieve this, their credibility on the world stage will plummet.
Doubt still looms over whether Trump’s strategies will be effective in this chaotic landscape. As Kallas pointed out, “we know that the EU wants peace, the United States wants peace, Ukraine wants peace, but Russia does not!” Putin is actively sabotaging efforts at every turn, and that cannot be ignored.
Within the ranks of the EU, opinions vary wildly. Some believe the Eumam mandate expansion should wait for a genuine ceasefire, while others argue for an immediate mandate decision when conditions allow. Nevertheless, sending military advisors to Ukraine is being considered as a serious part of ensuring those security guarantees that nations desperately need for a lasting peace.
Andris Sprds, the Defense Minister, expressed that his country would be ready to participate in the training mission—if clear parameters for a ceasefire or peace agreement are established first.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur echoed this sentiment, highlighting that “first and foremost, Ukrainians must be prepared.” This is no small logistics or security challenge, and with the current fighting still ongoing, it’s anyone’s guess when Russia will break any ceasefire!
Additionally, European allies, spearheaded by France and the UK, are concocting a plan for a “protection force” made up of European troops. This force would be stationed in non-frontline areas, but they’re depending on the United States for aerial and missile coverage and enhanced intelligence sharing. Remember, the American President wants a quick peace but has made it clear that sending troops is off the table!
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