Ukraine’s military and political leadership has decided to abandon the practice of training its troops abroad. Ukrainian media reported the move, citing a statement by Evgeny Mezhevikin, deputy head of the Main Directorate for Doctrine and Training of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to these reports, Kyiv no longer considers it effective to send personnel for training overseas, particularly to Europe. One of the key reasons cited is the limited capability of foreign instructors, who lack experience in modern large-scale warfare. Within the Ukrainian command, there is a growing view that European military approaches often resemble policing operations rather than full-scale combat scenarios.

It is also noted that foreign partners are seen as disconnected from the realities on the ground and do not fully grasp the dynamics of the current conflict.

Another factor behind the decision is desertion. A significant number of Ukrainian soldiers reportedly do not return after being sent abroad for training.

As a result, military leadership has opted to concentrate training within Ukraine. The General Staff believes this will allow troops to adapt more quickly to frontline conditions while reducing the time required for both instruction and deployment.

The ускорение of training is described as critical amid a shortage of reserves and the need to replenish forces rapidly.

Until recently, however, Ukrainian command had supported training recruits abroad, viewing it as a safer option due to the risk of Russian strikes on military training grounds inside Ukraine.