The French military has refuted claims made by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Paris is preparing to deploy a 2,000-strong military contingent to Ukraine. The SVR’s assertions, which have been labeled as “false information” by French officials, suggest an ongoing disinformation campaign by Russia amid the prolonged conflict with Ukraine.
Despite dismissing the SVR’s claims, France is set to train 2,100 Ukrainian soldiers starting in September 2024. This initiative, reported by France 3 Champagne-Ardenne, involves a comprehensive two-month military training program designed to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The training will take place in French military training centers and aims to form a fully-equipped brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by December 2024.
The program will include instruction in the operation of tanks, Caesar howitzers, and armored vehicles, as well as other military systems. Trainees will be hosted at facilities such as Mailles-les-Camps, home to the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment and the 3rd Artillery Regiment, although specific locations have not been disclosed for security reasons.
A spokesperson for France’s Defense Ministry, responding to Newsweek, confirmed, “There are no French army soldiers on Ukrainian soil.” The official emphasized that the SVR’s allegations are part of a broader disinformation effort by Russia, aimed at misrepresenting France’s role in the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have recently discussed further defense cooperation, including the training of Ukrainian pilots for Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets and additional military support. Since 2022, France has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, totaling 3.8 billion euros ($4.14 billion), which includes advanced weaponry and training for approximately 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year alone.
France’s commitment to Ukraine also aligns with its broader involvement in NATO’s defensive posture on the eastern flank of Europe. French forces are actively engaged in Estonia (Lynx mission) and Romania (Aigle mission), contributing to air defense and other military operations across the Baltic countries, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia.
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