Training of the first 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers is expected to be completed before the summer, says Europe reporter Geert Jan Hahn. ‘It will depend on the countries where this happens, including the Netherlands. The European Commission is allocating more than 100 million euros to finance the necessary training and equipment.’
According to Hahn, among those 30,000 Ukrainians who are trained, there are certainly not only soldiers. ‘For example, a large number are IT specialists or hairdressers. A large number of people have enlisted to fight for their country. They will receive emergency training to learn how to shoot, for example. Dutch soldiers receive months of training for this, in this case only a few days.’
EU-Ukraine summit in Kiev
The 24th annual EU-Ukraine summit will take place in Kyiv on Friday. ‘The fact that the summit is being held in Kiev is seen as a signal. It gives hope to Ukrainians, but it is also a signal to Russia that Europe must be safe and we must not allow ourselves to be blackmailed. However, the accommodation, for example, will not be announced and live streaming of the press conference will not be available either. The information is only released at the end of the day.’
Europe is also likely to consider Ukrainian President Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan. “The EU wants to participate and play a role in formulating conditions,” says Hahn. “Another important item on the agenda is the discussion of financial aid to Ukraine, which already amounts to 60 billion euros in total.” Hahn also expects more to be announced at the summit about a specially set up Ukrainian court.
EU membership EU
Diplomats say it’s no longer a question of whether Ukraine will join the European Union, but when. Ukraine itself wants to become a member within two years, but the last word has not yet been said. The progress of the accession process will be discussed at the summit.’