France says ready to deploy troops to Ukraine as early as 2026

The chief of staff of the French Army Ground Forces, General Pierre Schiel, has said that his units are ready to deploy forces on Ukrainian territory as early as in 2026 if it is necessary within the framework of security guarantees. This is reported by the TV channel BFMTV.

We will be ready to deploy forces within the framework of security guarantees, if it turns out to be necessary for the good of Ukraine, - said General Schiel during a hearing in the Defence Committee of the National Assembly.

According to the military officer, the French army is ready to respond to"three levels of alert simultaneously," including possible involvement in the Ukrainian direction. Now about 7 thousand French soldiers are in constant readiness to leave within 12 hours to 5 days to fulfil "national and allied missions".

The general also recalled NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Force (ARF), which could be activated if tensions in Europe escalate.

France emphasises that the Russian threat is being taken more seriously. According to media reports, Paris is considering a possible strengthening of the NATO presence and is preparing for any scenarios.

Back in the summer, former French Chief of General Staff Thierry Burkhardt warned that the Kremlin had made France "one of its priority targets." His successor, Fabien Mandon, confirmed that the country is actively re-equipping its army to be ready for new challenges.