In the muddy fields of eastern France, around 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers, both conscripts and veterans, are undergoing intense military training. They are preparing for the front lines amidst the backdrop of history where French and German armies had once clashed in World War I. The atmosphere is charged, with the sounds of machine gunfire echoing and the yellow haze of smoke enveloping the area, reminiscent of battle conditions in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
This training initiative is part of a European Union-funded program aimed at equipping Ukrainian forces since the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022. So far, the program has successfully prepared 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers for combat. The French military is making an effort to mimic the real-life scenarios that Ukrainian forces encounter, while familiarizing them with advanced equipment supplied by France.
The focus of this training includes various military assets such as 128 armored vehicles, Caesar howitzers, anti-tank missile units, surface-to-air missiles, and battlefield radars. The Anne of Kyiv brigade, named after a historical figure who married into the French royal family, has been working in France since September. Soon, they will travel to Poland before heading directly into combat.
French officials highlight the urgent need for Ukraine to establish approximately 15 new, well-trained brigades, especially given the uncertainty surrounding future military aid from Western nations, particularly with recent political changes in the U.S.
Most of the Ukrainian trainees are relatively new to the military, joining just a month before this training, and about 10% are veterans. Their average age is 38, with some participants being as old as 50. Conversations with the soldiers reveal a mix of apprehension and a strong resolve to protect their homeland. Colonel Dmytro Rymschyn, leading the Anne of Kyiv brigade, voiced the gravity of their situation: “For us, it’s a war for our existence and survival.”
One soldier, Mykhailo, who previously worked in a chemical factory, is now learning to command an AMX light tank squad. When asked about the possibility of a swift end to the conflict, he responded with a hint of optimism but acknowledged the harsh realities of war.
Despite many trainees being civilians, French defense officials noted that they are adapting quickly. After nine weeks of training, these soldiers are prepared to defend against attacks and launch counter-offensives.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu commented on the human aspect of this training, emphasizing the real risks the soldiers face as they prepare to enter combat. The training they receive is not just about tactics; it’s about readiness for the very real and poignant dangers they will encounter on the battlefield.
