EU Council officially launches Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine

The Council of the EU announced the launch of the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which aims to continue to assist in its confrontation with ongoing Russia’s aggressive war.

This information was published today by the European Council on its website.

“The aim of this mission, formally established on October 17, is to develop the military capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to allow them to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, as well as to protect the civilian population,” the statement reads.

As noted in the document, EUMAM Ukraine has a non-executive mandate (does not involve troops in Ukraine – Ed.) to provide individual, collective and specialized training to up to 15,000 personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over multiple locations in different EU member states.

French Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean, the Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability, EEAS, was appointed as the Mission Commander.

It is also noted that the EU Council adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth €16 million to support the capacity building of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by the EUMAM Ukraine. This financial assistance will be used to finance equipment that Ukraine receives from EU member states.

In particular, this includes the supply of ammunition, military equipment and platforms for the deployment of lethal weapons. The same list includes vehicles, means for repair and maintenance of the provided equipment.

The assistance measure is designed for a period of up to 24 months, and adds to the EU contributions for Ukraine under the European Peace Fund in the amount of more than €3.1 billion.

“The European Union reiterates its support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and its legitimate right to defend itself against the Russian aggression. The EU stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to provide military, economic, social and financial support for as long as it takes,” the document says.

Background

On 17 October 2022, the Council adopted the decision to establish EUMAM Ukraine with an initial duration of two years. The Mission is a direct response to Ukraine’s request for support addressed to the High Representative. The Mission intends to provide individual, collective and specialized training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as to coordinate and synchronize the activities of the Member States delivering the training.

The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in the fields of military and defense, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions aimed at strengthening the capacities of non-EU countries and regional and international organizations related to military and defense matters. Previous assistance measures under the EPF for Ukraine were agreed on 28 February, 23 March, 13 April, 23 May, 21 July, and 17 October 2022.

ArmyINFORM