The Council of the European Union has extended the mandate of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) for a further two years, until 15 November 2028, with a budget of nearly €300 million for the period.

The Council adopted the decision on Monday, 9 November 2026, following a recent strategic review of the mission, as the mandate's previous term approached its end on 15 November 2026. EUMAM Ukraine will continue training members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on EU territory, with a greater emphasis on lessons learned on the battlefield and on strengthening military training in support of Ukraine's defence objectives.

EU to set up a presence in Ukraine

As part of the extension, the Council also decided to establish a presence in Ukraine to ensure direct coordination with the Ukrainian military authorities, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and like-minded international partners, so that EU training keeps evolving in line with Ukraine's needs on the front line.

The mission will continue to coordinate closely with partners including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Norway. EUMAM Ukraine is financed by the European Peace Facility.

More than 100,000 soldiers trained

EUMAM Ukraine was established on 17 October 2022 at Ukraine's request, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the country's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Since then it has trained more than 100,000 soldiers, according to the Council.

The training covers basic, advanced and specialised skills, including medical assistance, demining, logistics, communications and maintenance, as well as junior leadership training and live firing exercises. Twenty-four EU member states have offered training modules and personnel, and the mission also provides equipment for lethal and non-lethal purposes.

Third extension since 2022

The mission was first set up with an initial duration of two years and a financial reference amount of about €106.7 million. In November 2024 the Council extended it until 15 November 2026, with a budget of nearly €409 million for that period.

The latest decision comes as Russian and Ukrainian officials meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for two days of US-brokered talks, their first since February, and as G7 foreign ministers gather in Paris. The Council described EUMAM Ukraine as a key tool of the EU's military support for Ukraine.

Further details are available in the Council's announcement, which can be read on the Council website.