Russia lost 500,000 militaries in its war against Ukraine, French MFA says
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné (Getty Images)
Russia has lost about 500,000 soldiers in the war against Ukraine. This is a military failure for Moscow, says French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné in an interview with Novaya Gazeta.
He stresses that Europe and its partners will maintain unity and determination to continue supporting Ukraine as much as needed.
"Russia’s military failure is already a fact. We estimate that Russia has suffered 500,000 military losses, including 150,000 dead. And for what? Two words suffice: for nothing," the minister said.
He also commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's statement on sending troops to Ukraine. "Why should the Europeans play transparently with an unpredictable and irresponsible power?" Séjourné says. Especially when peace in Europe is threatened, there are no limits, and no option is excluded.
"And European countries, from the Baltic States to Poland and Finland, are playing a full role in support to Ukraine, including by supporting mine clearance, in cyber cooperation, and by assisting in arms production within Ukraine," added the French minister.
Macron's proposal
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out sending Western troops to Ukraine, sparking discussions in the US and Europe. Many countries were against any sending of the Western military. However, the Baltic countries, Canada, and several other states considered such a possibility.
As later clarified in France and Ukraine, this is not about Western troops participating in the war but about training or demining.
Macron also later said that the main goal of his idea was to show Russia that there are no limits to assisting Ukraine.
