France’s Foreign Ministry condemned a statement made by Alexander Makogonov, spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Paris, about French military instructors being sent to Ukraine. Makogonov’s claims echoed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who stated that the presence of French military instructors in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target for Russia’s Armed Forces. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces confirmed that France is planning to send instructors to train the Ukrainian military, although discussions with Paris and other Western allies are still ongoing. Christophe Lemoine, deputy spokesperson of the French Foreign Ministry, called Makogonov’s remarks outrageous and stated that they will not go unanswered. French President Emmanuel Macron has not officially confirmed the sending of military instructors but mentioned that an announcement on support for Ukraine will be made during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day this week. Reports suggest that France plans to initially send a limited number of personnel to assess the modalities of a mission before involving several hundred trainers to provide training in demining, equipment maintenance, and technical expertise for warplanes.
Kyiv has asked the U.S. and other NATO countries to help train 150,000 soldiers closer to the front lines in Ukraine, according to the New York Times. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas mentioned in late May that there are countries already training soldiers on the ground in Ukraine, without providing further details or naming specific countries. U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Normandy following the D-Day commemoration. This meeting is expected to discuss further support for Ukraine and address the ongoing conflict in the region. The involvement of foreign military instructors in training Ukrainian forces has raised tensions between Russia and Western countries, with Russia threatening to consider such instructors as legitimate targets. France’s decision to send military instructors to Ukraine aligns with efforts by NATO countries to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and support the country in its conflict with Russia.
The French government is considering how to respond to the statements made by the Russian Embassy in Paris regarding the deployment of French military instructors to Ukraine. The remarks by Alexander Makogonov, the spokesperson for the Russian Embassy, reflected the stance of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who warned that French military instructors in Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets for Russia. The French Foreign Ministry has condemned these statements as outrageous and has indicated that they will not go unanswered. While French President Emmanuel Macron has not officially confirmed the deployment of military instructors, reports suggest that France plans to send personnel to assess the mission’s modalities before involving hundreds of trainers to provide training in various military skills to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Kyiv has sought assistance from the U.S. and other NATO countries to train 150,000 soldiers closer to the front lines in Ukraine, signaling a collective effort by Western allies to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has hinted at the presence of countries already training soldiers in Ukraine without specifying further details. The meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Normandy is expected to focus on strengthening support for Ukraine and addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia. The decision by France to send military instructors aligns with NATO’s objectives to enhance Ukraine’s military readiness and security, despite objections from Russia regarding the presence of foreign trainers in the region. Tensions between Russia and Western countries have escalated due to the involvement of foreign military instructors in Ukraine, with Russia threatening to target such personnel as legitimate threats to its interests.
Overall, the deployment of French military instructors to Ukraine has sparked condemnation from the Russian Embassy in Paris and raised concerns about escalating tensions between Russia and Western allies. The statements made by Russian officials regarding the presence of foreign trainers in Ukraine as legitimate targets have drawn criticism from France and other Western countries. Efforts to train Ukrainian soldiers closer to the front lines reflect a broader strategy by NATO countries to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and strengthen its defense capabilities. The upcoming meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to address further support for Ukraine and discuss ways to alleviate the ongoing conflict in the region. France’s decision to send military instructors underscores its commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s military readiness and security, despite objections from Russia.
