European Military Trainers Should Be Part of Ukraine Security Guarantees, EU General Says
The European Union should move military trainers into Ukraine after the war there ends to strengthen Ukrainian forces as part of Western security guarantees.
BRUSSELS: The European Union should consider moving military trainers into Ukraine after the war there ends to bolster Ukrainian forces as part of Western security guarantees, according to the EU’s top military adviser.
General Sean Clancy, who chairs the EU’s military committee, stated that the United States will remain crucial for Europe's security even as the EU aims to enhance its self-reliance in defense by 2030.
Clancy emphasized that NATO will continue to provide 'hard power' to defend Europe, while the transatlantic relationship evolves with Europeans taking on a more independent role.
The EU's defense push has been driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and former US President Donald Trump's calls for Europeans to assume greater responsibility for their own security.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Western officials are developing post-war strategies to bolster Kyiv’s military forces and deter future Russian aggression against its neighbor.
Clancy highlighted that deploying EU military trainers within Ukraine after the war would be 'optimal.' This plan involves transitioning part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) into the country.
The mission has already trained over 80,000 soldiers outside Ukraine’s borders.
Clancy argued that a well-trained Ukrainian army could act as a security guarantee for both Ukraine and Europe.
According to Clancy, determining the size of any EU presence inside Ukraine would depend on Kyiv's requirements and the specific training needs.
He noted that discussions are ongoing with Ukrainian officials about these evolving demands.
As chair of the EU military committee, Clancy represents the collective voice of the bloc’s member countries in defense and security policy discussions.
This includes advising on the European Commission’s 'Defense Readiness Roadmap,' which seeks to prepare Europe to effectively deter adversaries and respond to aggression by 2030.
However, Clancy underscored the enduring importance of the US-European security relationship, particularly due to the continued reliance on US-made military equipment, such as Patriot missiles and F-35 fighter jets, which will remain essential for decades.
The proposal for EU trainers in Ukraine reflects a broader shift towards European self-reliance in defense.
This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen European security capabilities amid geopolitical tensions with Russia and underscores the commitment of Western allies to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty.
General Sean Clancy, who chairs the EU’s military committee, stated that the United States will remain crucial for Europe's security even as the EU aims to enhance its self-reliance in defense by 2030.
Clancy emphasized that NATO will continue to provide 'hard power' to defend Europe, while the transatlantic relationship evolves with Europeans taking on a more independent role.
The EU's defense push has been driven by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and former US President Donald Trump's calls for Europeans to assume greater responsibility for their own security.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Western officials are developing post-war strategies to bolster Kyiv’s military forces and deter future Russian aggression against its neighbor.
Clancy highlighted that deploying EU military trainers within Ukraine after the war would be 'optimal.' This plan involves transitioning part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) into the country.
The mission has already trained over 80,000 soldiers outside Ukraine’s borders.
Clancy argued that a well-trained Ukrainian army could act as a security guarantee for both Ukraine and Europe.
According to Clancy, determining the size of any EU presence inside Ukraine would depend on Kyiv's requirements and the specific training needs.
He noted that discussions are ongoing with Ukrainian officials about these evolving demands.
As chair of the EU military committee, Clancy represents the collective voice of the bloc’s member countries in defense and security policy discussions.
This includes advising on the European Commission’s 'Defense Readiness Roadmap,' which seeks to prepare Europe to effectively deter adversaries and respond to aggression by 2030.
However, Clancy underscored the enduring importance of the US-European security relationship, particularly due to the continued reliance on US-made military equipment, such as Patriot missiles and F-35 fighter jets, which will remain essential for decades.
The proposal for EU trainers in Ukraine reflects a broader shift towards European self-reliance in defense.
This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen European security capabilities amid geopolitical tensions with Russia and underscores the commitment of Western allies to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty.
