Where Duty Meets Humanity: Inside Ukraine’s Humanitarian Law Training Program.

In addition to the classes specific to this field, many other activities have been carried out, including the solemn raising of the flag and the tribute to the fallen in honour of the Ukrainian people at the Central Defence Academy. Another noteworthy activity was a visit by students and teachers from the course to the Military Emergency Unit, where Lieutenant Colonel Legal Pedro Casado de las Heras shared his knowledge and experience of the national and international legal framework governing the actions of the Armed Forces in situations of natural disaster and complex emergencies, as well as the procedures for coordination with the civil authorities and international organisations involved.

The closing ceremony for this third Module on International Humanitarian Law was presided over by General Director Zamanillo Sainz. To begin the ceremony, Colonel Fernando M. De Valenzuela Cossio, Director of the Military School of Legal Studies and head of the course, gave a speech in which he discussed the objectives of the course and the relevance of International Humanitarian Law in military operations.

For his part, the Ukrainian colonel expressed his gratitude for Spain's support and solidarity during the difficult times facing Ukraine, while emphasising EU support for democratic values. He recalled the harshness of the war in Ukraine and the need to train Ukrainian military personnel to prevent the violation of fundamental rights during military operations. Finally, he highlighted EU's position as a staunch ally of Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty, while praising the effort and dedication of the Spanish training personnel. To conclude this closing ceremony, diplomas were presented to the Ukrainian personnel.

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.