Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that around thirty French nationals are fighting for Russia in Ukraine as part of a drone unit named 'Normandie-Niémen,' referencing a WWII-era French-Soviet squadron.
• The French Foreign Ministry denies any official involvement of French mercenaries but acknowledges the deaths of French volunteers fighting for Ukraine's International Legion since 2022.
• Putin's claims remain unverified outside of Russian state media, which has highlighted ideological motivations of some French participants, including anti-Western and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
• France has been deeply involved on Ukraine's side, training and equipping thousands of Ukrainian soldiers since late 2024 as part of its broader support for Kyiv.
• The use of foreign fighters by both Russia and Ukraine underscores the propaganda war and diplomatic tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict.