The French task force "Champagne" has completed the training of the Ukrainian brigade "Anne of Kyiv," which is preparing to return to Ukraine to continue fighting Russian forces.
This was reported by ABC News.
The mission takes place amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has lasted nearly three years, with enemy forces gaining reinforcements.
According to Ukrainian, U.S., and South Korean intelligence, Russian forces have received reinforcements from 12,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in the Kursk region, raising concerns on the Ukrainian side.
Over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers, who underwent intensive two-month training at military ranges in eastern and southern France, are completing final tests.
Most of these soldiers were recently mobilized and had previously undergone only a few weeks of basic training, according to representatives of the French Armed Forces. The brigade consists of infantry battalions, artillery units, and engineers, which military experts believe could turn it into a significant combat force.
The French also provided the Ukrainian brigade with heavy weaponry, including 18 AMX-10 light tanks, 18 Caesar self-propelled howitzers, 128 armored personnel carriers, and other missile systems. Soldiers from the "Champagne" task force trained the Ukrainians in coordinated operations as well as the maintenance and use of the equipment.
Before returning to the front lines, Ukrainian troops conducted drills simulating trench defense and assaults, mirroring the conditions on the front.
The French military wouldn't allow visiting journalists to interview the Ukrainians. French officers involved in the training said the troops are now better prepared for combat that they'll likely experience in months ahead.
“They have improved a lot," said Col. Paul. The French military withheld his last name, citing security reasons.“Now they are able to fight, they are able to maneuver," he said. "They are able to use the different specialists and to use the different equipment they will have on the battlefield.”
