"Widespread backing for dispatching European military trainers to Ukraine following a truce, announced by Kallas"

The European Union (EU) is set to extend its Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM Ukraine) to train Ukrainian soldiers on Ukrainian soil, following a ceasefire, according to EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

There is "broad support" among EU member states to extend the mission, which was launched in November 2022, aiming to train over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers in various sites across Europe. Kallas emphasizes that this extension could serve as a potential security guarantee for Ukraine.

Member states are currently negotiating contracts to define which countries will take the role of "lead nation" for each priority area. The nine identified priority areas include air defense and drones, with the EU proposing a €150 billion loan scheme for joint procurement.

Kallas argues for the extension of the mission's mandate to train Ukrainian soldiers at home, stating that Europe needs to show responsibility in providing security guarantees. Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur is ready to send instructors to Ukraine, but only when Ukrainians are ready.

Meanwhile, discussions over security guarantees are taking place within the Coalition of the Willing, which includes mostly European countries. The coalition is also working on establishing a "reassurance force," whereby some European troops would be deployed in no-contact areas across Ukraine.

However, there is a rift in thinking among capitals regarding the timing of the extension. Some favour an update after a ceasefire or truce, while others prefer an update before the ceasefire. Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds mentions willingness to participate in a training mission as part of the Coalition of the Willing, but only after clarifying the parameters and format of the ceasefire or peace agreement.

The EU continues to lead in military aid to Ukraine, but there are concerns about covering for a wavering US. European NATO allies are set to collectively reach the 2% spending target for the first time, which could potentially boost European military production. France and Germany are considering a "best athlete" model to boost European military production further.

In addition, some European allies, led by France and the UK, are working on establishing a "reassurance force" whereby some European troops would be deployed in no-contact areas across Ukraine. However, several countries in the reassurance force require involvement from the US to join the initiative.

Donald Trump has expressed willingness to provide air and missile cover, and more intelligence sharing, but not send US troops on the ground. Kyiv views NATO and EU memberships as the ultimate security guarantees but is also calling for continued supplies of military equipment, training, and intelligence data to bolster its armed forces.

The EU's high representative welcomes this broad support to extend the mandate of EUMAM Ukraine, which currently has 24 EU member states and Norway participating. The mission trains Ukrainian soldiers in European countries, with Estonia ready to send instructors to Ukraine once Ukrainians are ready. Kallas suggests that sending European military trainers to Ukraine could form one of the security guarantees the EU could provide Ukraine in the event of a truce.

"Widespread backing for dispatching European military trainers to Ukraine following a truce, announced by Kallas"