Breaking News: France Prepares to Host 2100 Ukrainian Soldiers for Intensive Training.

According to a document reviewed by Franceinfo, France is preparing to welcome 2100 Ukrainian soldiers for two months of intensive training. Scheduled for late September 2024 in the Champagne training camps, this initiative continues France's support since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started.
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Equivalent to a French army brigade, these Ukrainian soldiers will be trained at the same centers that annually prepare French military personnel for international operations (Picture source: Ukrainian Defense forces)

At the end of 2024, France is set to host 2,100 Ukrainian soldiers in its military training camps for a two-month combat training program, according to information obtained by France 3 Champagne-Ardenne. This training mission represents a considerable effort by France in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking one of the largest such training initiatives undertaken in recent years. The soldiers, equivalent in number to a full brigade of the French army, will undergo training across various camps typically used for preparing French forces before deployment in external theaters of operation. While most of the training will take place in these camps, a portion will be specifically decentralized to provide specialized tank training.

Despite the scope of this mission, the French army has remained silent, with communication on this operation reportedly being "closed at the highest level." The goal is to form and equip a Ukrainian brigade by December 2024, offering both training and equipment support. This training mission will be complemented by a significant transfer of military equipment. The document reviewed by France 3 Champagne-Ardenne confirms that France will provide 128 armored troop transport vehicles (VAB), 18 Caesar artillery guns, 24 light tanks, as well as anti-tank missiles, trucks, and radar systems. This support represents an addition to the French military aid package planned for Ukraine in 2024.

Since the conflict's start in February 2022, France has been actively engaged in supporting Ukraine, providing military equipment and training adapted to the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces. The Ministry of the Armed Forces has emphasized that this aid adheres to three principles: delivering complete capabilities, including equipment, ammunition, training, and maintenance; ensuring these contributions do not weaken the capabilities of French forces; and maintaining control over escalation in the conflict.

The total value of France’s military equipment delivered to Ukraine amounted to €2.615 billion by March 2024, according to official documents. In addition, France has contributed €1.2 billion to the European Peace Facility (EFF), bringing the total support provided to over €3.8 billion between February 24, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Alongside material support, France has committed to training Ukrainian soldiers, with nearly 10,000 troops already trained in France and Poland since the start of the war.

Since early 2023, several thousand Ukrainian soldiers have undergone training by the French Army within France itself. This collaboration between the two countries has facilitated the training of approximately 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year alone, focusing on a range of skills tailored to combat conditions. The comprehensive training is designed to prepare these soldiers for a variety of terrains and situations, enhancing their ability to recognize and respond to threats, such as identifying and navigating strategic points like crossroads during combat scenarios.