Amidst simulated battlefield conditions—yellow smoke, machine gun fire, drone surveillance, and urgent Ukrainian shouts—approximately 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers, a mix of conscripts and veterans, are undergoing trench warfare training in France’s Marne region. This location, historically significant for its WWI battles, serves as a training ground mirroring the realities of the Donbas conflict.
The training program, part of a European Union initiative, has prepared 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers since the 2022 Russian invasion. French forces are replicating Ukrainian combat conditions and utilizing French-supplied equipment, including 128 armored vehicles, Caesar howitzers, anti-tank and surface-to-air missiles, and battlefield radars.
The Anne of Kyiv brigade, named for a historical princess, has been training since September and will deploy to Poland before heading to the front lines in the next 10 days. Ukraine aims to establish 15 new highly trained brigades, a goal complicated by uncertainties surrounding future Western military aid.
Most trainees joined the army just a month prior to their arrival in France, with veterans comprising about 10% of the group. Their average age is 38, with some as old as 50. While apprehensive, their determination to defend their homeland is evident.
“Fear is inherent to war. For us, it’s a fight for our existence,” stated Col. Dmytro Rymschyn, commander of the Anne of Kyiv brigade. “Our brigade will prove its competence. I believe in our victory.”
Mykhailo, a 50-year-old former chemical factory worker now training to lead a light tank squadron, expressed a cautious hope for the war’s conclusion before their return to Ukraine.
French officials highlight the trainees’ rapid learning curve and adaptability, noting their ability to successfully execute trench defense and counter-attacks after nine weeks of training. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu indicated plans to train more Ukrainian troops in the coming months, acknowledging the human cost of the conflict and the high likelihood of casualties among the trainees.