In a unique training program funded by the European Union, 2,000 Ukrainian conscripts and veterans are undergoing military training in the fields of France’s Marne region, reminiscent of the bloody battles of World War I. These soldiers are being prepared for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russia invaded in 2022. The French military has recreated the conditions faced by Ukrainian forces back home, providing training on equipment such as armored vehicles, howitzers, anti-tank missile units, and more. The Anne of Kyiv brigade, named after a princess who married a French king in 1051, is currently training in France before being deployed to the front lines.
The soldiers undergoing training in France include recent army recruits and veterans, with an average age of 38 and some as old as 50. Despite their apprehension, these soldiers are determined to defend their country. For Ukrainian Col. Dmytro Rymschyn, this war is about the country’s existence and survival, with an unwavering belief in victory. Mykhailo, a 50-year-old who left his job at a chemical factory to join the army, expressed hope that the war would end before they had to return to Ukraine.
French officials have noted the rapid progress of the Ukrainian trainees, who have learned to repel attacks on their trenches and mount counter-attacks after nine weeks of training. The aim is to create 15 highly trained, battle-ready brigades to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities, especially in light of uncertainty over future Western military aid following the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. elections. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized the human element of the training program, acknowledging the potential risks faced by these soldiers once they are deployed to the frontline.
The training program in France is part of a broader effort to prepare Ukrainian forces for the ongoing conflict with Russia in the Donbas region. With over 60,000 Ukrainians having already undergone training, the EU-funded initiative aims to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and readiness. The soldiers training in France are receiving instruction on crucial equipment provided by France, including armored vehicles, howitzers, and surface-to-air missiles. The soldiers, many of whom are civilians, are adapting quickly to the training and demonstrating their ability to defend against attacks.
There is a sense of urgency among the Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in France, with a shared determination to defend their country from external threats. The soldiers recognize the risks they face in combat but remain focused on their mission to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. The training program in France is intended to equip the Ukrainian forces with the necessary skills and capabilities to effectively respond to the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the region. The soldiers’ commitment to their country’s defense and their belief in a future victory drives their efforts to prepare for the difficult tasks that lie ahead on the front lines.
