As Ukraine approaches a crucial moment in its defense against Russian forces, a brigade equipped and trained by France prepares to enter the battlefield.
The “Anne of Kyiv” brigade—a nod to the medieval Ukrainian princess who became Queen of France—has just completed over two months of rigorous training with French military forces in eastern and southern France.
The troops operated under the French Army’s “Champagne” task force, designed to prepare the nation’s allies. The 2,000 Ukrainian troops who trained in France will return equipped with French-supplied tanks, artillery and heavy weaponry, while additional troops undergo training in Ukraine.
This combined force could provide Kyiv with a formidable new unit to counter Russian advances in eastern Ukraine.
Details of the ‘Anne of Kyiv’ France-Ukraine Brigade
French authorities have confirmed that the “Anne of Kyiv” brigade will eventually include 4,500 Ukrainian troops and specialists, such as engineers and artillery teams. Its arsenal will include 18 AMX-10 light tanks, Caesar artillery pieces, armored soldier carriers and missile systems.
The new brigade’s deployment arrives as Russian forces make significant moves to consolidate their hold in the eastern Donbas region.
Moscow has reinforced its forces near the Kursk border, with support from up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers, according to reports from U.S. and South Korean intelligence.
The 2024 U.S. presidential outcome also heightened uncertainty pertaining to the war, as President-elect Donald Trump pledged, if elected, to end it quickly—a promise that has stirred debate in Ukraine and among its allies.
Kupiansk: Key to Eastern Ukraine Defense
Amid escalating threats from Russia, Ukraine continues to press forward on multiple fronts. Ukrainian forces recently pushed back Russian attempts to control key areas around the city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, where Russia has intensified its efforts.
An update from Ukrainian military officials, as reported by Newsweek, described Kupiansk as a primary target for Russian shelling due to its strategic position.
The Institute for the Study of War think tank has highlighted Kupiansk’s importance as a logistical hub that, if held, could strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the region.
In preparation for conditions they are likely to encounter back home, Ukrainian soldiers trained by France have been practicing complex battlefield maneuvers under simulated war conditions, including exercises involving trench defense tactics and storming procedures, with surveillance drones and live ammunition creating a realistic environment at the French military training camps.
French military officials overseeing the program said that many of the troops had only basic training before arriving in France in September, highlighting the mission’s significance in enhancing Ukraine’s defensive strategies and technological know-how.
‘Strength and Diplomacy’ Work Hand in Hand
France’s support for Ukraine has been matched by broader European and NATO-backed initiatives. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, support from allies is critical to sustaining morale and enabling Ukraine to keep its momentum in a protracted conflict.
“We understand very clearly that diplomacy has no prospects without strength,” he said in a nightly video address on November 10.
“But without a clear understanding of diplomatic goals, weapons alone will not do the job. That’s why strength and diplomacy must work hand in hand.”
With international backing and newly trained forces, Ukraine faces both new challenges and strategic opportunities. The deployment of the “Anne of Kyiv” brigade will be a key component of Ukraine’s response to the mounting pressures on its eastern front.
“They have improved a lot,” Colonel Paul said. (The French military withheld his last name, citing security concerns.)
“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.”
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
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