Ukrainian troops train for trench warfare near France’s WWI battlefields
Soldiers are currently undergoing intense training in the trenches, surrounded by yellow smoke and the deafening roar of machine gunfire in France’s eastern Marne region. This scene may seem like a flashback to the battles of Ukraine’s Donbas region, but it is happening right here in Europe, where history once witnessed the brutal clashes of World War I.
The training program, funded by the European Union, aims to equip Ukrainian conscripts and veterans with the necessary skills to defend their homeland against Russian aggression. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, over 60,000 Ukrainians have been trained for combat, with 2,000 currently undergoing rigorous training in the muddy fields of Champagne military camp in eastern France.
The French military has gone to great lengths to recreate the conditions faced by Ukrainian forces back home, providing them with hands-on experience on the equipment that France is supplying to Ukraine. This includes armored vehicles, howitzers, anti-tank missile units, surface-to-air missiles, and battlefield radars, essential for troop movements and reconnaissance.
The Anne of Kyiv brigade, named after a princess who married French King Henri I in 1051, has been training in France since September. After completing their training, they will soon head to Poland before being deployed to the front lines. With the uncertainty surrounding future Western military aid, especially after the U.S. elections, French officials emphasize the need for Ukraine to have highly trained, battle-ready brigades to defend against any potential threats.
Most of the Ukrainian trainees are new recruits, having joined the army only a month before arriving in France. Some are veterans, with an average age of 38, and a few as old as 50. Despite their apprehension, they are determined to defend their country, viewing this as a war for their existence and survival.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu expressed the importance of this training program, highlighting the human element involved as these trainees will soon be in combat situations on the frontline. The hope is to prepare more troops in the coming months to ensure that Ukraine’s army can adapt and respond effectively to any challenges they may face.
As the Ukrainian soldiers continue their training in France, they are not just learning military tactics but also forging strong bonds with their French counterparts. The exchange of knowledge and experiences will undoubtedly strengthen the resolve of these soldiers as they prepare to face the harsh realities of war.
