Federal Minister: Extend training for Ukrainian soldiers

The German government wants Ukrainian soldiers to continue to be trained in Germany to defend their country against Russia's war of aggression. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) said on Friday at the Klietz military training area on the border of Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg that there was interest in extending the mandate for the training mission beyond November. Klietz is a site for training Ukrainian soldiers.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said during the visit: "10,000 Ukrainian soldiers were trained last year and 10,000 will be trained this year, in 2024." The responsibility for the atrocities and bloodshed lies with Russia and the political leadership there. "Russia wants to take away Ukraine's independence, its freedom. Russia is committing land theft in Ukraine and Russia is violating fundamental principles of international law," said Steinmeier. "In a situation like this, there must be no doubt where we, where our country, where Germany stands - on Ukraine's side. That is where we are and that is where we will remain."

Pistorius said of the mandate extension: "We will discuss this in consultation with our partners, first and foremost with Ukraine, but then of course also with our European partners, because this is a European Union mission. But yes, we have an interest in this and the need is unfortunately, it has to be said, certainly still there at the end of the year.

The SPD politician added: "Our responsibility places us at Ukraine's side - for as long as it is necessary." It is about supporting a country in Europe that is fighting for survival against an imperialist aggressor. "Every form of help is important, not just material." Germany is providing this to a considerable extent. Training in particular also plays a central role for Ukraine, from the training of sergeants, officers and tank crews to training on weapons systems.

The Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, expressed his gratitude. "Generations of Ukrainians will thank the German taxpayers, the German soldiers and the German people for this deployment."

The Federal President was shown a combat exercise with tanks in Klietz as well as various skills of logisticians in loading, repairing and refueling tanks. Steinmeier also held talks with German and Ukrainian soldiers and instructors. Ukrainians are being trained to handle the Leopard tanks in six-week training sessions.