PARIS - French military personnel are reportedly concerned about a possible deployment to Ukraine to participate in combat, according to a report in the French weekly newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD).

“There is a risk that we will be sent to Ukraine. I don't know when, but I have no doubt that we will end up going there, and frankly, the losses will be enormous,” said a French lieutenant, a recent graduate of a military academy, to the newspaper. The officer described the situation in Ukraine as a "slaughterhouse." He is not opposed to peacekeeping missions, but emphasized that he "did not enlist to fight a war with Russia."

“Given the current situation, I don't know if we are truly prepared for what awaits us,” said another officer from the French Marine Corps to the newspaper, describing his impressions of footage from the fighting in Ukraine, where "drones darken the entire sky."

The JDD report states that French units are currently training under conditions simulating the Ukrainian battlefield. The French armed forces are specifically practicing trench warfare, electronic warfare tactics, and drone operation training. Joint exercises with Ukrainian military personnel are also becoming more frequent. "We were surprised to meet tall blond men who didn't speak a word of French," said one of the French soldiers who participated in the exercises.

On November 20, the Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, General Fabien Mandon, called on the French public to prepare for the "loss of their children," arguing that such preparedness is necessary to deter Russia. He stated that Paris possesses "all the knowledge, economic and demographic strength" needed to pacify Moscow.

The TF1 television channel noted that the general has held this position for some time and insists on rearming the country. He previously stated that the French army must prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia within 3-4 years. On November 25, French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed speculation that the proposed reform of mandatory military service could lead to the deployment of French youth to the Ukrainian war zone.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously dismissed as nonsense what he called the "mantra" of European politicians regarding a possible war with Russia. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, emphasized that Russia has never had and does not have the intention of attacking NATO or the EU.

gnews.cz - GH