France finalizes training program for 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers
2 Min Read
France successfully achieves its 2023 goal of training 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers, strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities.
-
The flags of France, Ukraine, and the European Union fly at the French Embassy in Beijing, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (AP)
France, in collaboration with Poland, has reportedly finalized the training of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year, according to French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, underscoring France's dedication to developing Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts.
In an interview with Var Matin, Lecornu highlighted the importance of training a new generation of Ukrainian soldiers to effectively execute a counteroffensive.
Lecornu revealed that the training milestone, achieved in August, aligns with their set target for the year, emphasizing France's commitment to supporting Ukraine's security.
Back in July, Lecornu disclosed that 5,200 Ukrainian soldiers had already completed training by France, including 1,600 who received training in Poland. At the time, he anticipated that the total trained soldiers would reach 7,000 by year-end.
France's training program encompasses a comprehensive array of skills, including operating advanced weaponry like Caesar howitzers, LRU multiple missile rocket launchers, SAMP/T anti-aircraft systems, and AMX-10 RC armored fighting vehicles, Sputnik reported.
Lecornu emphasized that the training process was meticulously planned, with the aim of assembling a battalion consisting of up to 600 soldiers every five weeks.
Read more: Protesters in France using western weapons sent to Kiev
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video on social media demonstrating a long-range Scalp missile that his French counterpart promised Kiev last month.
In mid-July, President Emmanuel Macron announced that his government had decided to join the United Kingdom in providing Scalp missiles to Ukraine.
The Former president of the French right-wing National Rally party and the current chairwoman of its parliamentary faction, Marine Le Pen, told Le Figaro that it was "irresponsible" of Macron to pledge long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Read more: Air defense systems down drones over two separate Russian regions
