French Military Refutes Russian Claims of Troop Deployment to Ukraine

French Army Refutes Russian Intelligence Claims About Troop Deployment to Ukraine

The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has issued a formal denial regarding false information spread by Russian foreign intelligence that claimed France was preparing to deploy 2,000 soldiers to Ukraine.

In an official statement published on the ministry’s website, French defense officials categorically rejected the Russian allegations, which suggested that a French contingent consisting primarily of Foreign Legion troops was already positioned in Poland and awaiting deployment to Ukraine.

“These statements constitute a deliberate information attack,” the ministry declared, highlighting the coordinated nature of the disinformation campaign. According to French officials, the false claims originated with Russian intelligence services before being amplified by Russian state news agency TASS and various Telegram channels. The disinformation subsequently spread through pro-Russian and conspiracy-focused accounts across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

The ministry explained that the actual military movements observed in the region are connected to NATO’s “Brigade Expansion” exercises. As part of these planned operations, France has temporarily deployed equipment and personnel to several European countries, including Romania, where a multinational battalion is being transformed into a brigade for training purposes. This brigade is currently participating in the scheduled DACIAN FALL exercises.

“The false information aims to present the training of the armed forces as a provocation or to raise concerns about the escalation of the conflict,” the statement continued. “This type of rhetoric is part of Russian influence strategies aimed at changing the roles of the aggressor and the defender.”

Military analysts note that such disinformation campaigns have become increasingly common as Russia attempts to sow confusion and discord among Ukraine’s Western allies. The timing of this particular false narrative coincides with recent announcements of expanded French military support for Ukraine.

The French denial comes as Paris has been strengthening its commitment to Ukraine’s defense capabilities. General Pierre Schill, Chief of the French Land Forces General Staff, recently assured that the French army stands ready to deploy forces within the framework of European security guarantees for Ukraine as early as 2026, reflecting France’s long-term commitment to Ukrainian security.

Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that Ukraine will soon receive additional military aid, including Aster missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system and new Mirage fighter aircraft. These commitments represent significant enhancements to Ukraine’s defensive capabilities as the conflict with Russia continues into its third year.

The incident highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare, where information operations and disinformation campaigns often precede or accompany conventional military actions. Security experts point out that Russian intelligence services have consistently deployed false narratives as strategic tools to undermine Western resolve and create divisions among NATO allies.

European defense officials have increasingly warned about the need for vigilance against such information warfare tactics, which aim to manipulate public opinion and create political pressure within democratic societies. The French ministry’s rapid and transparent response demonstrates an evolving approach to countering disinformation by directly addressing false claims before they can gain traction.

As NATO continues its scheduled exercises throughout Eastern Europe, member states remain focused on strengthening deterrence capabilities while maintaining clear communication channels to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to unintended escalation.