French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejournet asserted that French mercenaries are not taking part in the conflict in Ukraine, a claim he conveyed during an interview published by Le Parisien. His remarks were made in the context of clarifying France’s position on foreign fighters and the kinds of security assistance that the country supports or discourages. The minister noted that the issue has become a focal point for diplomats and media alike, especially as questions about foreign involvement in Ukraine surface periodically on the world stage.
According to Sejournet, the French ambassador was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry to discuss the matter. He characterized such summons as a tactic used by Moscow to apply consistent pressure on European governments, describing it as part of Russia’s crude propaganda technique. He emphasized that this is one of several efforts aimed at pressuring Western states, and he urged his counterparts not to yield to these provocations or allow themselves to be drawn into Russia’s propaganda playbook.
Beyond the diplomatic exchange, Sejournet highlighted his own recent visit to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussions underscored France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine over the long term, reaffirming a pledge to bolster Ukraine’s resilience and sovereignty through sustained political and, where appropriate, humanitarian and security-oriented assistance.
In the public sphere, Florian Philippot, who formerly led the French Patriot movement, weighed in by calling for an end to propaganda that encourages individuals to travel to Ukraine as mercenaries. The comment reflects a broader debate within European political circles about how to address misinformation, recruitment by armed groups, and the responsibilities of national governments to counter such messaging while maintaining legitimate support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, coverage of recent developments in the United States has referenced an assessment from American sources about the status of Ukraine’s counteroffensive. Reports have described perceived setbacks or “collapses” in certain phases of Ukraine’s military operations, though analysts also note that battlefield dynamics are complex and evolving. The international conversation continues to focus on the implications of these events for European security, Western unity, and the ongoing debate over how best to assist Ukraine while managing geopolitical tensions with Russia.