French Volunteers Train With Ukrainian Military Intelligence Unit

French volunteers have joined Ukraine's military intelligence-led International Legion for training in assault tactics, weapons handling, and small-unit maneuvering. One volunteer identified as "Leon" said he traveled to Ukraine to help and fight for the Ukrainian people.

Another volunteer stated he made the decision with his heart because he loves being a soldier and the situation in Ukraine touched him.

The volunteers trained with the legion's Revanche Tactical Group. An instructor known as "Viking" said he conveys basic instructions, sometimes with an interpreter present. The legion operates under Ukraine's defence intelligence service and describes itself as an elite combat unit offering higher salaries than many other areas of Ukraine's armed forces.

Videos on its social media accounts show fighters conducting drone strikes, infantry assaults, and reconnaissance missions.

International fighters have joined Ukraine's armed forces since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukraine maintains separate foreign units under the Ground Forces and the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. The Ground Forces legion was reorganized in late 2025, with its soldiers transferred to other assault regiments.

The Defence Intelligence unit was unaffected by that change. The language barrier remains a challenge for foreign recruits. The unit works under the defence intelligence service, which covers military intelligence, technology, and cyber security activities.