Kyiv announces imminent arrival of French instructors on battlefield.

Alexandre Syrski, head of the Ukrainian armed forces, has signed a decree granting French instructors access to Ukrainian bases. He also indicated that the deployment of French instructors is a matter of time. What are the consequences of such a decision?
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French instructor training Ukrainian Soldier in Urban training center in France (Picture source: French MoD)

Firstly, it is important to note that the French military's general staff has not confirmed that a decision to send military instructors has been made. However, they have stated that this is among the "projects under discussion" by the two general staffs. In the current context of this war, such an event would require an address by the minister or perhaps even the president.

What is the mission of military instructors in Ukraine?

The mission of military instructors is multifaceted. They train Ukrainian soldiers in combat techniques, weapon usage, and modern military tactics. This includes specific training on the use of equipment provided by France or other NATO countries. They offer advanced training in areas such as demining, electronic warfare, combat medicine, and special operations, all adapted to the NATO equipment deployed on site.

Additionally, instructors may provide advisory roles to officers, offering valuable advice on the planning and execution of military operations. Their expertise in Western military doctrines and strategies is a significant asset for the Ukrainian armed forces. They also provide essential technical assistance for the maintenance and repair of military equipment supplied, ensuring maximum operational efficiency and proper maintenance of the equipment in service.

Beyond individual soldier training, French instructors focus on strengthening the institutional capacities of the Ukrainian army. They work on establishing more effective command and control structures, fostering better internal organization. Furthermore, they contribute to the development of long-term training programs aimed at further professionalizing the Ukrainian armed forces and ensuring continuous and thorough preparation of troops for future challenges.

International consequences

Unlike intelligence officers, these instructional units are not intended to be near the front lines. However, these units are armed and can advise officers during operations, thus being considered combatants. Therefore, it is expected that casualties might occur, and Russia might view this action as a belligerent move by France.

A range of national and international consequences are expected. Additionally, Russia, which in its martial rhetoric already claims to be fighting NATO on the Ukrainian front, could more easily justify this stance. The risk of escalation is therefore very high.