Inside Europe’s War Classroom

For months, Poland has been a key link in the chain of support for Ukraine. Under the supervision of instructors from the international Combined Arms Training Command (CAT-C), another round of Ukrainian soldiers is undergoing intensive training. 

The key decision-making center for this operation is the Polish 11th Armored Cavalry Division, which, as part of the EUMAM Ukraine mission, manages the training process at Polish training grounds. 

The training programs are not theoretical – they are a direct response to what is happening in the east. 

One of the modules, basic training, has recently focused on two areas: Operations in Urban Areas and Assaulting Trench Systems. The training utilized the latest lessons learned from the front and integrated the use of military drones.

In Operations in Urban Areas, Ukrainian conscripts practiced safe approaches to buildings, door breaching techniques, and safe searches of rooms. These are high-risk tasks, where teamwork and rapid response are key to success. 

During assaults on trench systems, the ability to efficiently navigate narrow communication trenches and eliminate enemies at a distance of several meters became a priority. Emphasis was placed on the precise use of handguns and rifles in confined spaces. 

EUMAM UA

The EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and to deter and respond to possible future military offensives by Russia and other potential aggressors. EUMAM works closely together with all other like-minded international partners to provide training support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. EUMAM is open to the participation of third states. All mission activities are located on EU soil. So far, 24 EU Member States have offered training modules and personnel. The training is supported by the provision of equipment for lethal and non-lethal purposes to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This equipment is provided by Member States and funded by the European Peace Facility.