This nearly cinematic story was first shared by Ukraine’s 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade and further detailed by photographer and journalist Igor Zakharenko, who accompanied the French media team during their reporting mission.
“It’s incredible, but we were part of that interview! Macron is responding to a Ukrainian soldier featured in the report we made together with the French journalists,” Zakharenko wrote.
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The story began in the winter of 2025, when a team from TF1Info, one of France’s leading TV channels, visited the Zaporizhzhia sector with the support of Zakharenko and communications officers of the 65th Brigade. Among other things, the report showcased the work of Ukrainian artillery, specifically D-20 guns operated by the 204th Separate Territorial Defense Battalion, now subordinated to the 65th Brigade.
The central figure in the report, whose words ultimately reached the French president, was Dmytro, 31, head of the battalion’s unmanned systems unit. In a frank statement to the French journalists, he said:
“We’re all tired. We want this to end as soon as possible. We lack foreign assistance. But we can drive them out only by force.”
He emphasized that the only language russia understands is the language of force.
The segment aired on the evening of May 13, 2025, during a TF1Info program that also featured French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the channel, Dmytro’s words, reflecting the sentiments of many Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, made a powerful impression on the president.
“I have boundless respect and admiration for the Ukrainian people and soldiers,” Macron said in response, as footage of Ukrainian artillerymen played in the background.
But the French leader’s reaction wasn’t just symbolic. As TF1 reported, Macron followed up with a concrete pledge: “All wheeled CAESAR self-propelled howitzers produced in 2025 will be sent to Ukraine.”
The 65th Mechanized Brigade openly expressed pride in its role in the story: “This is how, drop by drop, honest reporting about the war in Ukraine helps shape the image of each brigade and the Armed Forces of Ukraine as one of Europe’s most capable armies. We are proud that the 65th Brigade played a role in shaping international news that brings us one step closer to victory.”
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