Soldiers are seen navigating through trenches filled with yellow smoke, while the sound of machine gunfire echoes across the fields. In the skies above, drones buzz and voices shout warnings in Ukrainian. This intense scene is not taking place in Ukraine’s Donbas region, but rather in France’s Marne region, where the brutal battles of World War I once raged.
About 2,000 Ukrainian conscripts and veterans are currently undergoing training in France as part of a European Union-funded program. This initiative aims to prepare Ukrainian forces for the ongoing conflict with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022. The French military has gone to great lengths to recreate the conditions that Ukrainian soldiers face back home, providing them with training on equipment such as armored vehicles, howitzers, anti-tank missiles, and more.
The Anne of Kyiv brigade, named after a princess who married a French king in 1051, has been training in France since September. Following their training in France, the brigade will soon head to Poland before being deployed to the front lines. Ukrainian officials stress the importance of having highly trained and battle-ready brigades, especially given the uncertainty surrounding future Western military aid in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election victory.
The soldiers undergoing training in France come from diverse backgrounds, with some having only recently joined the army while others are seasoned veterans. Despite their varying levels of experience, they all share a sense of apprehension and determination to defend their country. For many, this war is seen as a fight for their very existence and survival.
Col. Dmytro Rymschyn, a 38-year-old Ukrainian officer leading the Anne of Kyiv brigade, expressed his confidence in their ability to prevail in the face of adversity. He emphasized that fear is a natural part of war, but their resolve to secure victory remains unwavering. Mykhailo, a 50-year-old former factory worker turned tank squadron leader, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ending the conflict as soon as possible.
French officials overseeing the training program have noted the rapid progress made by Ukrainian soldiers, who have quickly adapted to the demanding conditions of combat. After just nine weeks of training, these soldiers are now capable of defending their positions and launching counter-attacks against enemy forces. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized the human aspect of this training, acknowledging the sacrifices that these soldiers may have to make in the line of duty.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the training provided to Ukrainian troops in France serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who are willing to fight for their country’s freedom. The ongoing support from international allies underscores the importance of solidarity and cooperation in the face of aggression and conflict.
