French volunteers are currently training alongside the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, providing a rare look at the preparations foreign fighters undergo before deploying to the front lines. These volunteers have integrated into the legion’s Revanche Tactical Group, where they are actively practicing small-unit maneuvering, weapons handling, and various assault tactics.
One volunteer, identified as “Leon,” explained that his decision to join the unit was driven by a desire to assist the Ukrainian people. “I love being a soldier, and the situation in Ukraine touched my heart. So I made this decision with my heart,” he stated. While language barriers remain a challenge for international recruits, an instructor known as “Viking” noted that he is able to convey essential instructions to the French volunteers, often utilizing an interpreter when necessary.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, foreign fighters have consistently bolstered Kyiv’s defense efforts. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) operates its own foreign legion, which remains distinct from the Ground Forces’ International Legion that underwent reorganization in late 2025. The DIU unit is involved in diverse operations, including cyber security, military technology, and reconnaissance, with recent social media footage documenting its fighters conducting drone strikes and infantry assaults.
This development arrives as international allies prepare for the 2026 NATO summit, scheduled for 7 to 8 July in Ankara. European members of NATO and Canada are expected to pledge €70 billion in new military aid for Kyiv for 2026 and 2027. Meanwhile, high-level diplomacy continues, with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin holding separate discussions with Donald Trump on Saturday regarding the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy stated on X that there is a “real prospect” for ending the war and confirmed that he and the US president agreed to continue their dialogue during the upcoming NATO summit. Separately, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Putin and Trump spoke for one hour and 25 minutes. According to Ushakov, the US president reaffirmed his willingness to help facilitate a swift end to the hostilities and seek peaceful solutions to the crisis during the call, which occurred as the United States celebrated its 250th birthday.
