Accused of sending troops to Ukraine, France lashed out at Russian spy chief: “It’s an irresponsible provocation”

“The maneuver orchestrated by Sergei Narishkin (photo)the director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, once again illustrates Russia’s systematic use of disinformation,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. “We consider this type of provocation irresponsible,” the statement added.

Narishkin was quoted by the TASS news agency as saying that France is preparing to send about 2,000 troops to Ukraine and that French troops would be a legitimate target for Russian forces if they “ever come to the territory of the Russian world with a sword,” according to News.ro.

Damaged relations between France and Russia

Franco-Russian relations have further deteriorated in recent weeks after Paris increased its support for Ukraine, including by signing a long-term bilateral security agreement and promising to send more long-range cruise missiles long acting.

President Emmanuel Macron has also taken a tougher line on Russia, insisting that Moscow must be defeated.

He did not rule out that European troops would one day have to go to Ukraine, although he specified that France does not intend to incite hostilities against Russia.

Paris also accused Russia of spreading false information. In January, he categorically rejected the idea that Paris had mercenaries in Ukraine, a day after Russian lawmakers passed a resolution condemning French mercenaries in that country.