### Ukraine's Newly Trained 'Anne of Kyiv' Brigade Prepares to Face Russian Forces

A significant boost to Ukraine's military efforts is imminent as a specially trained Ukrainian brigade, equipped with French-supplied tanks and artillery, gears up for deployment against Russian forces. This elite unit, christened the "Anne of Kyiv" brigade after a historical Kyiv princess who became the queen of France, comprises thousands of soldiers who have been rigorously trained in France over the past several months.

More than two months ago, the training of this formidable force commenced under the supervision of a French military task force known as Champagne. Currently, over 2,000 troops are completing their final stages of preparation before returning to Ukraine. The brigade is anticipated to expand to 4,500 members once all training phases are completed.

The "Anne of Kyiv" brigade will be equipped with an array of state-of-the-art military assets. Their arsenal includes 18 AMX 10 light tanks, 18 Caesar truck-mounted artillery pieces, 128 armored troop carriers, as well as advanced anti-tank and antiaircraft missile systems. Initially, many of the soldiers had only basic training before arriving in France, but their skills have considerably enhanced, according to French military reports. "They have improved a lot. Now they are able to fight, they are able to maneuver. They are able to use the different specialists and to use the different equipment they will have on the battlefield," a French colonel highlighted.

In addition to the training in France, Ukrainian military personnel are concurrently preparing other troops for this brigade on home soil. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian soldiers have benefited from various training programs conducted by Western militaries, leading to a notable improvement in their combat capabilities compared to the Russian forces.

The entry of the "Anne of Kyiv" brigade comes at a crucial juncture, as Russian forces gradually advance in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have also reported the presence of up to 11,000 North Korean troops in the occupied region of Kursk, sent to bolster Russian efforts.

Meanwhile, the incoming return of US President-elect Donald Trump adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Trump has often critiqued the level of US support provided to Ukraine, which prompts Ukrainian leaders to seek increased support from European allies like France. The ongoing assistance from Europe could become even more vital for Ukraine’s resilience and capacity to repel Russian aggression.