EU to deploy military advisers to Ukraine

The decision marks a significant shift for the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM), which had previously only trained Ukrainian soldiers exclusively on EU territory. The Council extended the mission's mandate until November 15, 2028, with a budget of nearly €300 million ($334 million).

According to a Brussels press release, The Council also decided to establish a presence in Ukraine to ensure direct and effective coordination with the Ukrainian military authorities. European nations are seeking to participate in Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi after being sidelined from previous rounds.

Russian warnings

Russia has repeatedly warned that any foreign troops or military advisers in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets. Europe's plan is quite simple, and they make no secret of it: as soon as a ceasefire is reached, they intend to move 'stabilization forces' into the territory controlled by the Kiev regime, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov claimed Brussels is seeking an immediate freeze in the conflict to buy time for Ukraine to recover from military losses, adding that Moscow would not agree to this. Russia has opposed British and French plans to deploy troops in Ukraine during a ceasefire.

Previous incidents

Numerous serving and former military personnel from NATO member states have died during the Ukraine conflict. British Army Major Paul Wilks was killed in Ukraine in September, with London stating the intelligence officer died in a road accident.

Other deaths of senior military personnel from NATO countries have officially been attributed to non-combat causes despite media reports describing them as caused by Russian strikes. Polish Brigadier General Adam Marczak was reportedly killed by a Russian supersonic missile strike on a command bunker in 2024, though Warsaw insisted he died of natural causes.