The Central Defense Academy teaches the course on International Humanitarian Law to Ukrainian military personnel

• The School of Legal Studies at the Central Defense Academy has strengthened training in this fundamental area.

The Central Defense Academy in Madrid has taught a module on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to Ukrainian personnel—18 legal officers and an associate professor from the National Institute of Military Law—as part of the EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA). This initiative is led by the Ministry of Defense (MINISDEF), through the Toledo Training Coordination Center (TTCC) and the Central Defense Academy (ACD), and aims to contribute to strengthening the operational and legal capabilities of the Ukrainian military.

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 honor of the Ukrainian people at the Central Defense Academy. This military ceremony was presided over by the director of the ACD, General Alejandro Zamanillo Sainz, and was attended by Spanish students together with Ukrainian military personnel who were doing this module.

In addition, and as another noteworthy activity, students and teachers from the course visited the Military Emergency Unit, where they were received by their commander, Major General Francisco Javier Marcos Rodriguez. There, Lieutenant Colonel Auditor Pedro Casado de las Heras shared his knowledge and experience in the national and international legal framework that regulates the actions of the Armed Forces in situations of natural disasters and complex emergencies, as well as in coordination procedures with the civil authorities and international organizations involved.

Closing of the academic year

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 spoke about the objectives of the course, as well as the relevance of IHL in military operations.

For his part, the Ukrainian colonel expressed his gratitude for Spain's support and solidarity during the difficult times Ukraine is facing, while emphasizing Spain's 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 Spain's position as a staunch ally of Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty, while praising the effort and dedication of Spanish training personnel.

For his part, the Director General of the ACD highlighted the added value of exchanging experiences and information, as well as the exemplary behavior and camaraderie of the Ukrainian personnel during the course. In conclusion, he expressed his hope for a swift end to the war and that reason and justice would prevail so that Ukraine could regain its rightful position in Europe and the world.

To conclude this closing ceremony, diplomas were awarded for the Third Course on International Humanitarian Law for Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel within the framework of EUMAM-UA.

EUMAM UA, support to Ukraine

The EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA) was approved by Council Decision on October 17, 2022. Its objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as to deter and respond to possible future military offensives by Russia and other potential aggressors. To date, 24 EU Member States—including, notably, Spain—have offered training modules and personnel to the Ukrainian military

In Spain, training activities are led by the Toledo Training Coordination Center (TTCC)—under the direction of the Operations Command, on whom one organically depends—and coordinates its activities with different international structures, not only within the European Union, but also within the framework of multinational agreements. Since the start of this European mission, Spain has expanded the range of courses, which are now taught in different units of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The Spanish Armed Forces have extensive experience in training missions for personnel from the armed forces and security forces of other countries, such as Iraq, Mali, and Somalia, among others. To date, Spain has trained more than 8,100 Ukrainian military personnel in the context of this EUMAM AU mission.