Montenegro denies reports of troop deployment to Ukraine

The Ministry of Defence of Montenegro has firmly denied claims that Montenegrin soldiers will be deployed to Ukraine, following reports published regional media outlets.

In an official statement issued on May 26, the ministry dismissed the article titled "Up to three soldiers are being sent to Ukraine", categorically stating that no personnel from the Montenegrin Armed Forces will operate within Ukrainian territory, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"No member of the Montenegrin Army will be deployed on the territory of Ukraine, nor will they participate in any military operations in that country. Any possible participation concerns the training of Ukrainian soldiers in EU countries," the ministry clarified.

The statement further explained the context behind a proposed decision currently pending in Montenegro's Parliament regarding the country's involvement in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA). The Ministry emphasized that the proposal involves non-combat roles strictly limited to training Ukrainian forces in allied countries.

"Namely, the proposed decision on the deployment of members of the Montenegrin Army to the EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA) implies that, if this proposal is voted on in the Parliament of Montenegro, Montenegrin instructors will, within the framework of an international support program, participate in the training of Ukrainian soldiers in one of the allied countries, together with colleagues from partner countries," the statement read.

The Ministry underscored that this activity represents Montenegro’s commitment to its international obligations and solidarity with EU and NATO allies, specifically through training and logistical support.

"We call on the media, before publishing information regarding security and defence issues, to verify the accuracy of allegations and avoid spreading misinformation that may cause unnecessary public concern. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to transparency and timely information of citizens, and we demand that Vijesti deny unverified allegations," the statement concluded.

The government reaffirmed its dedication to non-combat support for Ukraine while seeking to counter what it described as misleading reports that could fuel public misunderstanding.

By Vafa Guliyeva