French volunteers are training with the International Legion of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (DIU), offering a rare look at how foreign fighters prepare for combat on the front lines. The volunteers are part of the legion's Revanche Tactical Group, where they practice assault tactics, weapons handling, and small-unit maneuvering under the guidance of experienced instructors.
One volunteer, who goes by the call sign "Leon," explained his motivation for traveling to Ukraine. "I love being a soldier, and the situation in Ukraine touched my heart. So I made this decision with my heart," he said. Leon is among a growing number of international recruits who have bolstered Kyiv's armed forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine operates several foreign units, including the International Legion under the Ground Forces and the DIU's International Legion. The Ground Forces legion was reorganized in late 2025, with its soldiers transferred to other assault regiments, but the DIU's foreign legion was unaffected. The DIU legion describes itself as an "elite combat unit" with personnel from around the globe and offers higher salaries than many other parts of Ukraine's military.
Training and Challenges
The DIU is involved in military intelligence activities spanning defence, construction, military technology, and cyber security. Videos posted to its social media accounts show fighters conducting drone strikes, infantry assaults on Russian positions, and reconnaissance missions. The language barrier remains a significant challenge for foreign recruits, but instructors like "Viking" manage by conveying basic instructions and sometimes working with interpreters.
The presence of French volunteers in Ukraine highlights the broader European commitment to supporting Kyiv. As allies gear up for the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara from 7 to 8 July, NATO's European members and Canada are expected to pledge €70 billion in military aid to Ukraine for both 2026 and 2027. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with US President Donald Trump about the war, with Zelenskyy noting a "real prospect" of ending the conflict and agreeing to continue talks at the summit.
Meanwhile, the war's impact extends beyond the battlefield. Ukrainian drone strikes have disrupted Russian refineries, deepening a petrol crisis in Russia. In a separate development, a Ukrainian national has been charged in a German court over the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, underscoring the conflict's far-reaching consequences.
For volunteers like Leon, the decision to fight is deeply personal. "I wanted to help and fight for the Ukrainian people," he said, reflecting the sentiment of many foreign fighters who have joined Ukraine's cause. As the war enters its fourth year, the International Legion continues to play a role in Kyiv's defence, drawing recruits from across Europe and beyond.
