French volunteers have been training with Ukraine's military intelligence-led International Legion, offering a rare look at foreign fighters preparing for frontline combat. The volunteers joined the legion's Revanche Tactical Group, practicing assault tactics and weapons handling.
One volunteer, known as "Leon," said he traveled to Ukraine to "help and fight for the Ukrainian people." International fighters have bolstered Kyiv's forces since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The International Legion operates under Ukraine's Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU). It describes itself as an "elite combat unit" with members from around the world, offering higher salaries than many other Ukrainian units. Videos from its social media show fighters conducting drone strikes, infantry assaults, and reconnaissance.
A key challenge for foreign recruits is the language barrier. An instructor, "Viking," said basic instructions can be conveyed, sometimes with the help of an interpreter.
The training is ongoing as allies prepare for the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, where European members and Canada are expected to pledge €70 billion in military aid to Kyiv for 2026 and 2027. Recent diplomatic discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump have also focused on the war's trajectory.