NATO countries discuss training Ukrainian soldiers

NATO debates how and where to train Ukraine’s 150,000 troops in response to perceived Russian threat

Several constituent nations within the NATO alliance are in talks regarding the potential deployment of military educators or contractors to Ukraine to instruct Ukrainian forces and assist in the maintenance of equipment.

Ukraine has formally solicited support from the United States and other NATO member states to train roughly 150,000 troops in closer proximity to the front lines. However, the United States appears to be exercising caution, citing apprehensions about possible assaults on instructors, which could potentially trigger NATO’s collective defense commitment.

Certain authorities have suggested the continuation of training a substantial number of Ukrainian recruits in Germany and Poland, mirroring past practices. 

Nevertheless, this strategy presents notable logistical hurdles concerning the transportation of such a large troop contingent. How Germany and Poland will tackle such a significant undertaking remains uncertain.

Several NATO nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, are contemplating dispatching private military contractors to Ukraine, while the White House is reevaluating its prohibition on the engagement of U.S. private military contractors in the region.

Russian officials have stated that any NATO member states sending troops to Ukraine would be construed as an act of war, subjecting them to targeting. 

The discourse surrounding the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine was prompted by comments from French President Emmanuel Macron in February, in which he entertained the prospect of deploying troops to Ukraine if requested. 

Nevertheless, the majority of NATO member states are of the opinion that direct troop deployment to Ukraine could potentially escalate into a global conflict. Consequently, most NATO member states are lukewarm towards the notion of sending troops to Ukraine.

Source: Newsroom