Kiev has completed the necessary paperwork for foreign military instructors to operate on its military sites. The first group of French military instructors is on their way to Ukraine, as confirmed by Ukrainian politician Aleksey Goncharenko. This news comes after Ukraine’s top commander authorized the presence of French personnel in the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously mentioned the possibility of NATO member states sending troops to Ukraine in the future, clarifying later that he meant non-combat personnel. He advocated for a policy of “strategic ambiguity” towards Russia.
General Syrsky, Ukraine’s top commander, signed the papers allowing French instructors to visit Kiev’s training facilities and familiarize themselves with infrastructure and personnel. This move has drawn criticism from Moscow, warning that additional military aid to Ukraine could escalate the situation.
President Putin emphasized that Western military personnel already present in Ukraine are specialists disguised as mercenaries, and further deployment could lead to a serious conflict in Europe. Despite the controversy, French leaders are working on a coalition to dispatch trainers to Kiev, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Ukraine, Russia, and Western allies.