EU Backs Military Training in Ukraine Post-Ceasefire, But Hungary’s Veto Looms Large
Brussels, Belgium – August 30, 2025 – The European Union has signaled strong support for expanding its military training mission to Ukrainian soil, but only after a ceasefire is achieved in the ongoing war with Russia. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced the bloc’s backing for the initiative following an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Copenhagen on Friday, highlighting a potential shift in how the 27-nation alliance aids Kyiv. However, the plan faces a significant hurdle: unanimous approval from all member states, which could be blocked by Hungary, a vocal critic of EU support for Ukraine.
“I welcome the fact that today there is broad support for expanding the mandate to provide training and advisory services on Ukrainian territory after any ceasefire,” Kallas stated, as reported by Politico. This proposal builds on the existing European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), under which 23 EU countries, along with Norway and Canada, have already trained approximately 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Currently, training occurs outside Ukraine—primarily in Poland, Germany, and other EU nations—to avoid risks from active hostilities.
The move toward in-country training aims to make instruction more efficient and tailored, allowing for hands-on exercises with Ukrainian equipment and terrain. Proponents argue it would enhance readiness for post-conflict security while signaling long-term EU commitment to Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Yet, the stipulation of a ceasefire underscores the bloc’s caution, ensuring operations do not escalate the conflict or endanger trainers.
Hungary’s Potential Veto: A Familiar Roadblock
Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has consistently opposed robust EU military aid to Ukraine, viewing it as provocative toward Russia and detrimental to Budapest’s energy and economic ties with Moscow. The country, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency until the end of 2025, has vetoed or delayed multiple aid packages and sanctions. Politico reports that Hungary may exercise its veto power here as well, given ongoing tensions with Kyiv over minority rights and frozen EU funds.
Orbán’s government has clashed with the EU on Ukraine policy, blocking decisions on arms deliveries and even attending a NATO summit in a separate room from allies. “Hungary may veto EU plans to conduct military exercises in Ukraine and train Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers by Europeans after a ceasefire,” noted multiple sources, including posts from observers on X. This stance aligns with Orbán’s “peace mission” rhetoric, which prioritizes immediate negotiations over sustained Western support.
Kallas’ comments came after discussions among defense ministers, where a majority expressed openness to the expansion. However, unanimity is required for foreign policy decisions under the EU’s Treaty on European Union, giving Hungary—and potentially other skeptics like Slovakia—leverage to halt progress. EU officials are exploring workarounds, such as bilateral training agreements outside the formal EUMAM framework, but these would lack the coordinated scale of a bloc-wide effort.
Broader Context and Reactions
The proposal emerges amid shifting dynamics in the Ukraine conflict. With U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration pushing for a ceasefire through envoy Steve Whitkoff, and Vice President J.D. Vance noting narrowed disagreements on security guarantees and territories, European leaders are preparing for various post-war scenarios. Russia has expressed concerns over Western military presence in Ukraine, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stating Moscow is working to prevent disruptions to potential U.S.-Russia understandings.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. Supporters hailed the EU’s resolve, with one X user posting, “EU mulls military training in Ukraine after ceasefire… Take that Russia!!!” Others expressed sarcasm or concern over escalation risks. Pro-Ukraine accounts emphasized the training’s defensive nature, while critics warned of Hungary’s influence derailing unity.
Advocacy groups and analysts see this as a pragmatic step toward Ukraine’s self-reliance. “Training on Ukrainian soil post-ceasefire would be a game-changer for interoperability and morale,” said a European defense expert. Yet, without resolving Hungary’s objections, the initiative risks becoming another symbol of EU internal divisions.
As the bloc navigates these challenges, the Copenhagen meeting underscores a consensus on supporting Ukraine’s future defense—but only if peace holds. Further discussions are expected at upcoming EU summits, where the veto issue will likely take center stage.
Sources: Politico, X Posts (various users including @BeateLandefeld, @hopefulwatchman, @HALLONSA)