Zakhrova: Paris Prepares 1,500 Soldiers to Send to Ukraine

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakhrova revealed that France is preparing about 1,500 soldiers to send to Ukraine. Zakhrova added that the leadership of the French Foreign Legion approved the formation of a tactical group consisting of approximately 1,500 personnel, which is expected to be ready in April for deployment to fight in Ukraine. Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin stated on March 18 that France is preparing forces to be sent to Ukraine, numbering around 2,000 individuals, warning that they would become a "legitimate target and priority for the Russian army." It is noteworthy that the French president called on Western countries to send forces to Ukraine; however, his appeals were not well-received by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as well as by the UK, the US, and Germany, due to concerns over confrontation with Russia. Nevertheless, Macron later emphasized that there are no "red lines" in providing assistance to Kyiv, including the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine.