US EditionFrench general says country must 'prepare to lose its children' in potential war
General Fabien Mandon warned France must accept sacrifices including potential loss of lives to deter Russian aggression, sparking political backlash and debate on defense priorities.
- On Tuesday, General Fabien Mandon told local mayors that France must accept suffering and potential loss of young people to deter Moscow, emphasizing the 'strength of spirit' to protect the nation.
- The Russia–Ukraine war since February 2022 began with Russia's full-scale invasion, while European powers, including France, have increased weapons supplies but deny direct involvement.
- A government guide urged French households to assemble emergency kits, but historian Benedicte Cheron said the message struggles amid a polarised population.
- Opposition figures immediately denounced the remarks, with Fabien Roussel and Louis Aliot warning the chief of staff should not 'worry the country,' while Catherine Vautrin defended the military language as 'taken out of context.'
- The controversy has revived questions over France's role and limits in supporting Ukraine, as France's top military leader faces accusations of warmongering that challenge the French public and European allies' readiness for sacrifice.
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Conscription: Which countries plan to bring back draft?
Amid escalating tensions with Russia, a chilling warning from a top French military official brings to the fore a growing European debate about national defence, European defence and the reintroduction of military conscription as part of a march to war. General Fabien Mandon, Chief of the Defence Staff, has controversially stated that France must be “psychologically” prepared to ‘lose children’ in… Source
The reference came during the Congress of Mayors, where General Fabien Mandon outlined a gloomy picture of Russian ambitions and European fragility.
General Mandon, speaking of the Russian threat, rebuked the lack of a force of mind to be ready to sacrifice ourselves to defend what we are. But the government spokesman: "Speaking of soldiers. And our children will not go to fight and die in Ukraine."
In France it is scandalous after a speech in which the head of the Major State said that Hexagon should accept the idea of losing his children in war if the Russians declared a new war in Europe. The general did not refer to minors, but to young people in the army, but the idea of the evicted human life loss caused a shock in society.
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