French Defense Staff Urges Nation to Prepare to Lose Children in War with Russia

Europe holds enough economic and demographic strength to deter Russia, yet it lacks the willingness to “accept suffering for self-defense,” said General Fabien Mandon, Chief of the French Defense Staff. His comments were reported by RTL. Mandon warned that Europeans must prepare for hardships, because without self-defense they will not manage an external attack.

General Urges Europe to Accept Sacrifice

“If our country wavers because it refuses to accept the loss of its children or endure economic pain when defense production becomes a priority, we will face danger,” Mandon stated. He stressed that France and Europe risk vulnerability if societies resist the sacrifices needed to build real defensive capacity.

Mandon Repeats Warning of Future Conflict

This was not Mandon’s first warning about the risks of war with Russia. One month earlier, on October 22, he urged Europeans to prepare for a “shock in three or four years.”

“Russia is a country that may feel tempted to extend the war onto our continent, and that shapes my preparations,” he explained.

According to Mandon, Russian authorities view Europe as a weak player, even though the EU surpasses Russia economically, demographically, and industrially.

Mandon Faces Criticism Inside France

Mandon faced widespread criticism from senior French politicians after he spoke about the possibility of war with Russia:

“We have all the expertise, as well as all the economic and demographic power needed to deter Russia, but if France is not prepared to lose its children and pay the economic price that comes with changing priorities — then we are in danger," an unnamed French politician said.

Russia and Hungary Reject Talk of a Russian Attack

“If our potential rivals, our adversaries, see our self-defense efforts and recognize our resolve, they may back away. But if they feel we lack readiness, I see nothing that would stop them,” the general concluded.

Russian officials deny any intention to attack NATO countries. President Vladimir Putin stated two years ago that Russia has “no reasons and no interest — geopolitical, economic, political, or military — to fight with NATO countries.” He argued that Russia has no disputes with anyone, and that Western nations “manufacture problems” because they do not want Russia as a strong competitor.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintains warmer relations with Putin than other EU leaders, also dismissed the possibility of a Russian attack.

“The European Union has more than 400 million people, Russia has around 140 million. Our GDP soars, Russia’s declines. If you combine the military potential of the EU’s 27 countries, we are far stronger than the Russians,” he said.