Paris: According to three diplomatic sources, France is considering the imminent dispatch of military trainers to Ukraine, with a potential announcement expected next week during a visit by the Ukrainian president. Despite reservations from some allies and objections from Russia, Paris aims to assemble and lead a coalition of nations offering support to Kyiv’s war efforts.
Initially, France plans to deploy a small group of personnel to evaluate the logistical aspects of the mission before sending several hundred trainers. Training initiatives would focus on demining, maintenance of equipment, and technical guidance for warplanes provided by Western allies. Additionally, Paris intends to provide financial support, arms, and training for a Ukrainian motorized brigade. “The arrangements are very advanced, and we could expect something next week,” stated one of the sources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit France on June 6, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of D-Day, marking the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War Two. During his visit, Zelenskiy will hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris the following day. Ukrainian military authorities have already endorsed French military instructors to visit Ukrainian training facilities shortly.
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However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has depicted the potential deployment of regular French troops in Ukraine as a step toward global conflict.
France has previously trained approximately 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers within the framework of the European Union since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in February 2022. Notably, the proposed mission would operate independently of EU or NATO oversight.
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Although neither confirming nor denying the prospect of sending trainers, Macron emphasized that he refrains from commenting on “rumors or decisions that could come.” The French defense ministry underscored ongoing discussions with Ukrainian authorities since February regarding training initiatives. The Baltic states, particularly Lithuania, have expressed willingness to participate in such a coalition led by France.
While EU defense ministers deliberated the proposal of training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine during a recent meeting, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell noted the absence of a unanimous stance on the matter.
