The European Union approved its first-ever crisis response unit, a 5,000-strong force designed to address threats outside its borders. However, as EU foreign ministers convene today to once again deliberate on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, one thing seems clear: the newly minted crisis unit doesn't look set to be heading to Kyiv – or anywhere else – in the immediate future.

Why is the EU keeping its crisis response corps on standby during one of the most significant security challenges in its modern history? And if Ukraine is off the table, what types of crises or regions might eventually trigger their first mission?