Geopolitics
French instructors in Ukraine
France, taking a significant step towards strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, has engaged its military instructors in training Ukrainian soldiers in France, Poland, and potentially within Ukraine itself. This move underscores Paris’s growing commitment to supporting Kyiv amid the prolonged conflict with Russia, while also solidifying France’s position as a key partner in reshaping Europe’s security architecture. While some government ministers support the initiative, a final decision from the president is still pending.
Over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already undergone intensive training in the Marne region of France under the supervision of the military unit „Champagne.” The training has focused on modern combat tactics, ranging from artillery operations to the use of advanced equipment such as AMX-10 light tanks and Caesar systems. Notably, the newly formed brigade „Anna of Kyiv” — named after the medieval Ukrainian princess who became a queen of France — is prepared for deployment to Ukraine’s eastern front, where the conflict has reached a critical stage. Kyiv aims to strengthen its negotiating position for future peace talks.
The deployment of French military instructors within Ukraine remains a controversial issue. In May 2024, Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi suggested that an agreement on this matter had been reached. However, subsequent statements revealed ongoing discussions between Kyiv, Paris, and other NATO allies.
French special forces carried out several missions in Ukraine early in the war, though these were short-lived operations. No further missions are planned for now. Similarly, the involvement of the National Gendarmerie — tasked with verifying Russian war crimes — was targeted and temporary.
French ministers in favour of this initiative view it as a necessary step to address Ukraine’s urgent needs. However, President Emmanuel Macron has opted for a more cautious approach, navigating the complex geopolitical landscape. This decision is particularly sensitive after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described French instructors in Ukraine as „legitimate targets.”
In the meantime, President Macron has diverted attention to foreign diplomacy, visiting South America, Saudi Arabia, and later attending meetings in Brussels. Despite initial plans to deploy French instructors, the Ukraine issue remains in limbo.
Doubts have arisen about whether France’s assistance is entirely devoid of hidden motives. Are all French initiatives solely aimed at addressing Ukraine’s urgent defence needs, or is Paris using this moment to expand its influence in Eastern Europe? The timing of France’s military support — including the delivery of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets — suggests a calculated strategy blending solidarity with President Zelenskyy and national interests. Subtle signs of self-interest reinforce the view that this is not only about Ukraine but also about France’s place in the new European order, particularly as the U.S. elections approach.
For France, the stakes are high — not only in supporting Ukraine but also in asserting itself as a pivotal player in a transformed NATO and EU security policy. „A bold move,” say NATO observers, „but not without shadows.” Recent deliveries of SCALP missiles (with permission for their use), dozens of Caesar systems, ammunition, and now brigade training address Kyiv’s urgent needs only partially but serve Paris’s long-term vision.
As Macron himself states:”La diplomatie, c’est l’art de faire possible l’impossible, surtout quand il s’agit de l’Ukraine.” („Diplomacy is the art of making the impossible possible, especially when it concerns Ukraine.”) The decision on deploying French military personnel near Kyiv now rests in the president’s hands.