More than 8,000 Ukrainian fighters have already received training in Spain

The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during her visit to to the Infantry Academy in Toledo

A total of 185 modules, more than 30 training specialisations and more than 8,000 military personnel trained. These are the figures produced by the Spanish collaboration in the EUMAM mission, approved in October 2022 by the Council of the European Union, which is being carried out in Cartagena, Burgos and Toledo.

The Minister for Defence travelled to the Infantry Academy in the capital of Castilla-La Mancha and reiterated "Spain's support for Ukraine for as long as necessary", while expressing Spain's commitment to this mission, which was created to support Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, effectively exercising its sovereignty and protecting Ukrainian civilians.

At present, there are almost thirty soldiers in Toledo who are being trained in the Combat Health Care Module, with a high practical load to be able to respond to real situations such as controlling bleeding, fractures, stabilisation and evacuation of casualties or the treatment of burns.

As a new subject, training in NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) hazard capabilities material and tools has been introduced in this module.

The current module, which ends on 4 October, began on 25 August, with a total of six weeks of training in 330 hours given by personnel from the Legion's brigade.

Adaptation to needs

The EUMAM UA mission has a very flexible organisation, adaptable to the operational needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, so that the required training can be provided in accordance with the evolving situation.

Robles congratulated the Spanish military on this training and had a few words of encouragement for the Ukrainian personnel: "Spain will continue to help Ukraine, training its military personnel, welcoming their families... We understand that this war has to end but, in the meantime, Spain will fulfil its commitments to the European Union and NATO to stand by Ukraine.

We are proud of their effort and resilience," she added. Putin's attacks are absolutely unacceptable, Ukraine is making use of its right to legitimate self-defence and, for this reason, Spain as a democratic country stands by its side. This war can only end with a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."

The Minister for Defence, who was accompanied during the visit by the Secretary General for Defence Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez, also took an interest in other issues, such as psychological care for combatants, which is essential for the recovery of those who are suffering the consequences of the war on the front line.

Non official translation