French general sparks outcry with 'prepared to lose children' warning

"We have all the knowledge, all the economic and demographic strength to deter the Moscow regime from trying its luck by going further,"

"What we lack, and this is where you have a major role to play, is the strength of spirit to accept suffering in order to protect who we are,"

"If our country falters because it is not prepared to accept -- let's be honest -- to lose its children, to suffer economically because defence production will take precedence, then we are at risk,"

"Si notre pays flanche parce qu'il n'est pas prêt à perdre ses enfants, parce qu'il faut dire les choses, de souffrir économiquement (...), si on n'est pas prêt à ça, alors on est à risque."

France's military leadership warned that the country must be prepared to accept casualties and economic sacrifice to deter Russia. The military stated that France possesses the economic and demographic strength to stop further Russian aggression but lacks the societal strength of spirit to accept suffering to protect national identity. The military said that unwillingness to accept losing children or prioritising defence production economically would leave the country at risk. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, prompting European arms support for Kyiv while avoiding direct involvement. French officials, including the president, have warned that a successful invasion could encourage further Russian advances. Public opinion remains polarized and reassured by nuclear deterrence.

Read at The Local France