Ukrainian troops to train in three EU countries in 2026 with NATO support – General Staff

Ukraine's defence forces are reducing the scale of basic general military training for Ukrainian service personnel abroad, taking into account the combat experience gained in the war against the Russian aggressor, but continue cooperation with international partners.

Source: Major Dmytro Lykhovii, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "The Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the support of foreign partners, continue to train Ukrainian service personnel abroad. This covers specialist training on foreign weapons and military equipment, training for commander-leaders, senior sergeants and instructors, as well as basic general military training.

Measures for basic general military training are planned for 2026 on the territory of three European Union countries, and they are being carried out with the support of a total of four NATO member states."

Details: Lykhovii explained that over the past two years, the number of defence forces personnel undergoing basic general military training abroad had fallen significantly. This is due to the Armed Forces of Ukraine expanding both the scale and quality of military training within the country, while training grounds have strengthened safety measures and spread training across multiple locations. Training is largely being moved to safer western oblasts. He said basic general military training is also partly taking place within combat brigades.

Lykhovii said a decisive factor in changing the locations for basic general military training is better integration of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's combat experience into Ukrainian training centres by domestic instructors. The Armed Forces also take into account the legal and regulatory requirements of many EU and NATO countries.

Quote: "Yes, it is precisely in Ukraine that we are able, without unnecessary complications, to conduct exercises involving intensive use of drones, electronic warfare systems, night shooting drills, measures to strengthen soldiers' psychological resilience and so on. In addition, training in Ukraine does not require complex logistics.

Basic training for Ukrainian troops abroad also has its clear advantages: high-quality training facilities and equipment, no interruptions because of air raids and good entry-level instructors. That is why training for service personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in NATO countries continues, and we are sincerely grateful to our partners for this opportunity.

But, in light of all these findings, it can be stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are capable of preparing the necessary number of reinforcements through their own efforts – adapted to the demands of modern high-tech warfare, with a growing role for unmanned systems and using their own invaluable combat experience. This has been compiled in the sixth edition of the basic general military training programme, which is also of interest to Western partners."

More details: Lykhovii said training for Ukrainian service personnel abroad had undergone clustering and optimisation. Short lists of partner countries were identified, each specialising in basic general military training, commander-leader training, specialist and technical training and other areas. Some partner countries are redirecting their own resources to train Ukrainian soldiers in third countries, ensuring more efficient use of those financial, material resources and equipment.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!