President Emmanuel Macron visited the base in eastern France for the first time, where 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers are training. They will be part of the 155th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The French government promised to provide the brigade with weapons, including 128 armored vehicles and 18 AMX light tanks.
Places of the president's visit France not specified. The brigade that Macron visited is being trained by France before being sent to the front. It was the first visit of the French president to the base where approximately 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers are training. In addition to Macron, the French defense ministers participated in the inspection of the troops Ukraine: Sebastien Lecornu and Rustem Umierow.
“Our soldiers are currently training 2,300 Ukrainian soldiers in the Grand Est region, along with the equipment that will be used during the mission. The Anna Kiev Brigade will be formed and equipped thanks to French solidarity,” Macron wrote on the X website, attaching a video.
Anna of Kiev, daughter of the ruler of Kievan Rus', Yaroslav the Wise, was the queen of France.
Ukrainian brigade trained in France
The 155th brigade being established in the Ukrainian armed forces will consist of approximately 4,500 soldiers, of which 2,300 trained in France will be part of infantry, engineering and artillery battalions. The remaining battalions of the future brigade will be trained in Ukraine.
In addition to the ability to use weapons provided by France, soldiers will become familiar with conditions similar to those on the battlefield: under pressure, among noise and surrounded by drones. The trenches used for training were modeled on those on the Ukrainian front. About 1,500 French military personnel participate in classes with Ukrainian soldiers.
Emmanuel Macron met with Ukrainian soldiersAP POOL
France also provides weapons. The 155th brigade is to receive 128 armored vehicles, 18 AMX light tanks, and short-range anti-tank missiles. According to Macron's announcement, this year the value of military aid for Ukraine will approach EUR 3 billion.
Since the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine, France has trained approximately 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers in infantry and artillery combat. In June, Macron announced the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine, and Ukrainian pilots and mechanics are now training on these machines in France. France is also participating in the training of Ukrainian pilots of American F-16 fighters.
Emmanuel Macron at the base where Ukrainian soldiers are trainingPAP/EPA/THIBAULT CAMUS/POOL
Main photo source: AP POOL