French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit a military camp in eastern France where he will meet with some of the 15,000 Ukrainian troops that France has trained to combat the Russian invasion. This marks Macron’s first encounter with these troops, highlighting France’s support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggression.
Macron’s visit comes at a time when his political influence within France is facing challenges. Following his decision to call for surprise legislative elections in June, Macron ended up with a minority government, strengthening the position of his opponents in parliament. The recent survival of a government no-confidence vote indicates the ongoing political turmoil that Macron and his government are navigating.
The inspection of the Ukrainian troops being trained for frontline combat and on French-supplied weapons systems will showcase Macron’s continued involvement in defence and foreign affairs, underscoring France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty.
The Ukrainian Brigade No. 155, comprising 4,500 troops, is a product of the joint efforts of France and Ukraine. While 2,300 troops are currently undergoing training in France to form infantry battalions, engineers, artillery teams, and other specialists, the rest of the brigade will be trained in Ukraine. The brigade is equipped with 150 armoured vehicles, including AMX light tanks and Caesar cannons, along with other weaponry to bolster its capabilities.
The training programme, tailored to simulate frontline conditions faced by Ukrainian forces, includes exposure to combat-like stress, noise, and drones. Trenches have been dug using techniques similar to those employed in Ukraine, ensuring that the troops are well-prepared for the challenges on the ground.
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the French military has trained close to 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers, with several thousand completing training courses in Poland. Macron’s engagement with the Ukrainian troops underscores France’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.