Address by General Robert Brieger

Chairman of the European Union Military Committee

to the Kyiv Security Forum 

8 May 2025

Mr. Yatsenyuk, dear Arseniy, your excellencies, dear Ukrainian friends and colleagues, Kyiv Security Forum participants!

I really thank you for the opportunity to provide this video message on the occasion of the 17th Kyiv Security Forum. It is my distinct honour to address you in Kyiv. Unfortunately, I cannot be present due to my obligations as Chairman of the European Union Military Committee.

This year's 17th edition of the Kyiv Security Forum is unique in many ways. First of all, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe, when we unite to remember the end of World War II in Europe. Secondly, we gather together in these critical times for Ukraine, Europe, and the whole democratic world to debate over the international order, democracy, and peace — all facing challenges or even existential threats.

Today's 17th Kyiv Security Forum main theme poses a fundamental question: “To be or not to be? Can humanity prevent World War III?” Personally, I think this question or rather I should say call to action is of utmost importance. Why? Because the strategic environment of the European Union has changed for the worse.

Let me give you some examples. Russia brings back conventional warfare to Europe. In the northwest Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, Houthi terrorists attack commercial vessels affecting Europe's security and prosperity. In the Middle East, old conflicts have flared up again. In Africa, the Western world over more loses connections to affect the local circumstances. In a nutshell, we are constantly manoeuvring on the edge of escalation. One might say that the whole world appears as one major security theatre.

Nobody knows better than Ukrainian citizens that it is not an abstract matter that is at stake. Today we discuss how to prevent World War III. At the same time, we are witnessing the fight of the Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces of Ukraine waging the war for civilization itself. 

On February 24, 2022, Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine has brought war back to Europe. Immediately, the European Union and international partners started providing substantial political, military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine. This support includes unprecedented aid and assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the provision of military equipment as well as training.

In November 2022, we have launched the first-ever military contribution on EU soil to support Ukraine's defence against Russia within the framework of the European Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine.

Let me highlight some details about the mission. EUMAM Ukraine provides training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel at basic, advanced and specialized levels. So far, EUMAM Ukraine has trained around 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers in 1,500 training modules. In addition to the training being conducted by EUMAM Ukraine's subordinate commands in Poland and Germany, training has also been conducted in 24 other European member states.

Following Ukraine's request, in early 2024, EUMAM Ukraine started training for the international security forces — the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the National Police and Security Service operating under the operational command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Let me stress that training programmes are always based on the combat needs defined by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in coordination with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, NATO and other key international partners. During our works and discussions with the European Military Committee, Chiefs of Defence always perceive EUMAM Ukraine as a critical platform in enhancing capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since they are vital for Ukraine's capacity to self- sufficiently deter further aggression.

When we ask today ourselves, can humanity prevent World War III, my answer is yes. Even though there is no simple solution to that. In the darkness of war, achieving peace through strength requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position with Ukraine's own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component.

The EU's unwavering support tailored to the actual needs of Ukraine is on the agenda of the next EU Military Committee meeting. The way ahead will be discussed next week at the highest EU military strategic level with the chiefs of defence of member states, as we will continue our efforts to address Ukraine's pressing military and defence needs, in particular the delivery of ammunition and missiles, providing air defence systems and ensuring the military training and equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Ladies and gentlemen, to conclude, let me wish you rewarding discussion while we commemorate the 80th anniversary of when the peace arrived to Europe. I hope and truly believe that our common efforts will bring peace to Ukraine against Russia's war of aggression, where democracy will triumph over autocracy. Slava Ukraini!