“Risk Analysis” –

The Kremlin is pushing ahead and reiterating its intention to continue and complete the so-called “special military operation” despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement that he wants to submit a peace plan to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the European Union, at Kiev’s request, is considering training soldiers in Ukraine “if the necessary political and operational conditions are met.” This is indicated in a document from the European External Action Service (EEAS) seen by Politico. “A more in-depth and comprehensive analysis would be necessary to fully assess the risks and possible mitigation measures, as well as the political and operational benefits of conducting training” on Ukrainian soil, reads the 34-page document dated July 22 and titled ‘Strategic Review of Eumam Ukraine’, the name of the EU mission training Ukrainian soldiers.

According to the specialized website, French President Emmanuel Macron is open to the idea of ​​training troops in Ukraine, supported by countries such as Lithuania, but others, such as Germany, fear that this could increase tensions with Russia and endanger the lives of Western instructors sent to the former Soviet republic. Such concerns are also reflected in the document. “It is highly likely that an EU military presence on Ukrainian soil would be perceived by Russia as a provocation,” it says, adding that it is “not feasible” for the EU to protect trainers sent to Ukraine. Kiev, however, believes that training troops inside Ukraine is “faster, more cost-effective and logistically easier. Alternatively, training could be conducted in countries bordering Ukraine.” So far, training operations have mainly taken place in Poland and Germany. The document was discussed by ambassadors in the Political and Security Committee yesterday and is expected to be on the agenda of the next meeting of foreign and defense ministers.