French general urges citizens to prepare for possible war with Russia Politicians react

The recent statement by France’s new Chief of Defence Staff, Fabien Mandon, on the need to prepare citizens for a potential war with Russia has drawn sharp criticism from French politicians, Politico reports.

Speaking to mayors in Paris, Mandon urged local authorities to ready society for “possible suffering” in defence of the country.

He emphasised that while France possesses sufficient power to deter Russia, the nation would be vulnerable if it is “unwilling to accept the loss of its children and economic hardships.”

Political parties across the spectrum criticised Mandon, highlighting a lack of national consensus on the need for war preparedness and differing views on the level of the Russian threat.

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon voiced “complete disagreement” with the general on X, while La France Insoumise and the National Rally once again raised the issue of France leaving NATO’s military command.

Je veux exprimer un désaccord total avec le discours du chef d'État-major des armées. Ce n'est pas à lui d'aller inviter les maires ni qui que ce soit à des préparations guerrières décidées par personne : ni le président, ni le gouvernement, ni le Parlement. Ni à prévoir des…

— Jean-Luc Mélenchon (@JLMelenchon) November 19, 2025

Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Germany’s intelligence chief Martin Jaeger also warned of a growing risk of conflict between Europe and Russia.

By Khagan Isayev