Ukraine’s top commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced on Monday that he had signed paperwork permitting French military instructors to visit Ukrainian training centers. The development followed discussions via video link with French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Syrskyi welcomed France’s initiative, stating that the first French instructors would arrive shortly to familiarize themselves with Ukraine’s military infrastructure and personnel.
French diplomatic sources revealed that France aims to lead a coalition of countries providing military training to Ukrainian forces, despite concerns from some European Union partners and criticism from Russia. France’s planned efforts include sending a limited number of personnel initially to assess the mission’s requirements before deploying several hundred trainers. The training will focus on demining, maintaining equipment, and technical expertise for Western-provided warplanes. Paris also plans to finance, arm, and train a Ukrainian motorized brigade.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry clarified that discussions with France and other nations are ongoing. The Ministry has begun internal preparations to expedite the coordination process once a formal decision is made.
France has trained over 100,000 Ukrainian troops since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The potential deployment of French instructors in Ukraine marks a significant escalation in support, reflecting French President Emmanuel Macron’s stance on providing extensive aid to Kyiv. Macron had previously suggested the possibility of Western troops assisting in training within Ukraine, a notion met with disapproval by Russia and some Western allies.
The announcement of the French instructors’ deployment could coincide with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to France on June 6, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
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