Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
If a war with Russia actually breaks out, we need to have a different mindset, he thinks.
A stark message from France’s highest-ranking military officer has added fuel to the fear of an upcoming military conflict between Russia and NATO.
According to reporting from The Telegraph, cited by Express, French General Fabien Mandon, recently elevated to chief of the defence staff and a key adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, cautioned that France must brace for the possibility of losing “its children” should conflict with Russia erupt in the next “three to four years.”
Speaking to a national gathering of mayors, he argued that France has the economic weight to withstand Moscow but lacks the collective mindset needed for a prolonged confrontation.
Given the missing collective mindset, he urged local leaders to address these realities with their communities.
Mandon also said that economic sacrifices may be unavoidable as defence spending rises, warning that “if our country falters because it is not prepared to accept losing its children … then we are at risk,” according to The Telegraph.
Preparing the army
The Telegraph reported that earlier in the week, the former fighter pilot briefed parliament’s defence committee, saying he had instructed the armed forces to be “ready for a clash in three or four years” amid continued fighting in Ukraine.
He suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin could seek to extend hostilities further into Europe, making France’s rearmament essential.
When could a war break out?
Western politicians, military commanders and intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned that Russia is preparing for a possible confrontation with NATO.
In October, Newsweek cited the German foreign intelligence chief, Martin Jaeger, for saying that Russia could be ready for a direct confrontation before 2030.
In June, The Guardian cited NATO’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, for warning that Russia could be ready to attack NATO within five years (the same timeframe as stated by Jaeger).
And just a couple of days ago, top Polish general, Wieslaw Kukula, told Polskie Radio, that Russia has begun it’s “pre-war” preparations, creating favourable conditions for potential aggression.
Sources: Express, The Telegraph, Newsweek, The Guardian, Kyiv Independent, Polskie Radio
