France's top military commander has issued a stark warning that the nation must be prepared to "lose its children" in a potential future war with Russia, highlighting concerns about Western Europe's psychological readiness for conflict.
Psychological Preparedness for Conflict
General Fabien Mandon, Chief of the Defence Staff, told a gathering of local mayors that while France possesses the military expertise and resources to deter Russian aggression, it lacks the necessary "will" to fight. The senior army figure emphasised that France must be prepared "psychologically" to accept significant casualties, including the loss of its youth, in any potential confrontation.
"We have all the knowledge, the economic and demographic strength to deter the Russian regime from trying its luck by going further," General Mandon stated during the meeting. "What we lack, and this is where you have a major role to play, is the strength of spirit to accept suffering in order to protect who we are."
Growing Concerns About Russian Aggression
The warning comes amid increasing fears among Western military leaders that Vladimir Putin could launch an attack on a NATO member state by 2030. General Mandon had previously informed the defence committee that France might face a direct "test" from Russia within just three to four years, according to BBC reports.
The general expanded on his concerns, noting that if France "falters because it is not prepared to accept – let's be honest – to lose its children, to suffer economically because defence production will take precedence, then we are at risk." His comments reflect broader anxieties about Western Europe's prolonged period of peace creating complacency about potential threats.
Political Reactions and Divided Opinions
The general's stark assessment has generated significant political controversy in France. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party, stated he "totally disagreed" with the warning, while Sébastien Chenu from Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally questioned the general's "legitimacy" to comment on such policy matters, describing his intervention as an "error".
However, the general found some support from Louis Aliot, another National Rally member, who reiterated that citizens must be "ready to die for his country" to ensure national survival.
Broader European Security Context
The French military leader's warning aligns with similar concerns expressed by other European figures. Ukraine's former defence minister Dmytro Kuleba recently cautioned that British mothers might soon face the "inconceivable choice" of sending their sons to fight Russian forces or witnessing NATO's collapse.
Speaking for the French government, Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasised the importance of building "collective moral force" to prepare for potential conflicts. "Our policy is to do everything to avoid war but at the same time prepare, and consolidate that collective moral force without which no nation can survive the test," she stated.
The security discussions occur against the backdrop of ongoing peace negotiations, with Volodymyr Zelensky describing Ukraine's current situation as one of the most difficult moments in its history following the presentation of Donald Trump's 28-point peace plan. The proposed agreement would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO while allowing Russia to rejoin the G8 and maintain control of the Donbas region.
