Russia's intelligence: France preparing for direct role in Ukraine conflict

The press bureau of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed that France is seeking ways to take part more directly in the war in Ukraine.

In a statement issued on December 2, 2025, the SVR referred to a French government decree — No. 2025-1030, dated October 31 — which permits the use of private military companies (PMCs) to provide assistance to “a third country in a situation of armed conflict”.

According to the Russian intelligence service, there is “no doubt” that the decree is aimed at supporting Ukraine’s war effort.

The SVR claims that Ukraine’s existing air defence units, as well as a limited number of F-16 fighter jets, are struggling to intercept Russian aerial targets. It also says that mastering French aircraft, such as the Mirage and other advanced equipment, requires significant time and highly skilled personnel.

For this reason, Moscow alleges that Kyiv intends to rely on foreign private military contractors equipped with modern Western, primarily French, weapons and systems.

The SVR warned that Paris should not assume it can avoid responsibility by relying on PMCs rather than regular troops. It stated that the presence of French private contractors in Ukraine — referred to in the decree as “reference operators” of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces — would be viewed by Russia as France’s direct involvement in military action against Russia.

As a result, the statement added, any French PMCs in Ukraine would be considered legitimate military targets by the Russian armed forces.

By Aghakazim Guliyev