After a visit to the EUMAM UA headquarters in Brussels, the MPCC, Major General Maik Keller visited EUMAM UA's operational level. The focus was on closely coordinating the training in support of Ukrainian armed forces on their path to modern, Western-trained operational capability. The EU provides the actual training to Ukrainian soldiers via EUMAM UA while NATO covers doctrine and other fields via NSATU. Cooperation between the EU and NATO is grounded in trust, transparency and a common understanding of the security-political situation as well as the resulting needs of Ukraine.

“Coordination, transparency and mutual trust are crucial to the success of our training efforts,” 

stressed Brigadier General Maurice Timmermans.

“With partners such as NATO we can create synergies that go far beyond the sum of individual measures taken.”

Major General Maik Keller highlighted the importance of this joint commitment:

“The EU and NATO are setting an example on how to translate common values into concrete action. Our mutual exchange sends a strong signal of unity - not only to Ukraine but also to our international partners.”

Established in 2022, EUMAM UA is the European Union’s first military assistance mission conducted on European soil. Since then, over 76,000 Ukrainian military personnel have participated in more than 600 training modules, including anything from general combat training to complex specialised skills in areas such as medical support, command and control as well as explosive ordnance disposal.

In addition to the Combined Arms Training Command (CAT-C) in Żagań, Poland, which is responsible for training Ukrainian troops outside of Germany, the Special Training Command (ST-C) is based in the German state of Brandenburg, representing a key element of the mission on German soil. Around 100 soldiers from 17 nations, including permanent Ukrainian representatives, ensure training needs are coordinated in a flexible and direct manner, and ultimately implemented in practice.

With the NATO Security Assistance and Training Unit (NSATU), NATO, too, is closely involved in supporting Ukraine. Situated in Wiesbaden, Germany, the command is responsible for coordinating arms deliveries, overseeing doctrine and supporting the long-term development of the Ukrainian armed force.

The meeting in Strausberg makes one thing clear. The EU and NATO are combining their strength - with coordinated training standards, clear communication and a common objective: to sustainably strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability.