A prominent NATO ally and lawmaker has warned of an imminent war between Russia and France as tensions between the countries mount over the war in Ukraine.
French politician Jordan Bardella raised concerns on Friday over the potential for a “direct war” with Russia if France, a NATO member, decides to deploy troops to Ukraine.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu clarified that discussions at the Paris meeting centred on de-mining and military training operations in Ukraine, distinct from frontline combat.
However, Bardella, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, condemned Macron’s remarks, expressing anxiety among the French populace. He cautioned against the potential for direct conflict with Russia and urged extreme caution in France’s approach.
He said: “The president’s words are causing great anxiety and concern among the French people. They may lead to a direct war with Russia.”
The National Rally party, which posed a significant challenge to Macron’s centrist Renaissance party in the 2022 elections, remains vocal in its opposition to military intervention.
Despite Macron’s reelection victory, Rassemblement National gained substantial parliamentary seats, indicative of divided sentiments within French politics.
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Macron’s comments: “The very fact of discussing the possibility of sending certain contingents to Ukraine from NATO countries is a very important new element … We would need to talk not about the probability, but about the inevitability [of a direct conflict].”
While the US and Germany have ruled out ground troop deployment, support for additional aid to Ukraine faces obstacles in the US Congress, with diminishing backing from Republican lawmakers.
Concerns persist over the potential expansion of Putin’s conflict to NATO countries. However, Putin has asserted Moscow’s disinterest in confrontation with NATO members.
NATO has condemned Russia’s actions as a “war of aggression” and reiterated support for Ukraine’s aspirations toward NATO membership, emphasizing solidarity with the embattled nation.
