France Prepares for Russia

French military leaders openly declare Europe must prepare for war with Russia by 2030, validating President Trump’s push for NATO allies to finally shoulder their own defense burden after decades of freeloading on American taxpayers.

Story Snapshot

France’s Chief of Defence Staff General Fabien Mandon warns of accepting military casualties and economic pain to deter Russia by 2030.
Government identifies Russia as the most direct threat, publishing public crisis guides and boosting defense to €400 billion through 2030.
Trump administration’s NATO pressure forces Europe toward self-reliance, confirming America’s rightful pivot to America First priorities.
Naval leaders highlight Russian hybrid threats like drone overflights and GPS jamming, urging full war preparation across all sectors.
Opposition parties decry military rhetoric, exposing leftist resistance to common-sense national security.

French Military Issues Stark Russia Warning

General Fabien Mandon, France’s Chief of Defence Staff, addressed the Congress of French Mayors in November 2025. He stated France must accept losing children in combat and endure economic hardship to prepare for potential confrontation with Russia by 2030. Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin defended these remarks as necessary threat assessments. This candor challenges political avoidance of war realities, emphasizing societal resolve for deterrence. President Emmanuel Macron requested such public military input to build support for defense hikes.

Strategic Review Names Russia Primary Threat

The French government’s July 2025 National Strategic Review labels Russia the most direct threat to France and Europe. It warns of high risk for major high-intensity war outside national territory by 2030. General Mandon told MPs in October 2025 to plan for clash with Moscow in three to four years. This follows Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion, shattering post-Cold War stability assumptions. France allocated €400 billion for defense through 2030, yet military leaders call it insufficient amid rising threats.

Trump’s America First Validates European Wake-Up

The Trump administration signaled reduced U.S. NATO commitments in 2024-2025, pressing allies to reach 3.5% GDP defense spending by 2035. This forces France toward independent capabilities, a victory for American taxpayers long subsidizing European security. General Thierry Burkhard warned in August 2025 Russia poses real threat within five years, framing conflict as nuclear deterrence. NATO’s Mark Rutte echoes readiness needed within five years. France pursues European defense leadership as U.S. prioritizes its borders.

France published the “Tous responsables” guide in November 2025 for public crisis preparation. This mobilizes civilians alongside military readiness against hybrid threats.

Ongoing Modernization and Hybrid Threats

In February 2026, Vice Admiral Alban Lapointe stressed naval needs for more lethal missiles, preparing Europe for war in every compartment by 2030. French naval leaders cite Russian ships loitering over infrastructure, drone overflights, GPS jamming, and denial operations as unacceptable new normal. They warn post-Ukraine war, new conflict looms with same adversary. France introduces military service and expands reserves, weapons production for Russian confrontation.

Domestic Backlash and Path Forward

Opposition leaders criticize Mandon’s statements. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed demands presidential reprimand for overstepping civilian authority. French Communist Party’s Fabien Roussel opposes spending shifts from social programs. National Rally’s Sébastien Chenu questions if remarks stem from Macron’s direction. Despite polarization, government advances societal mobilization. Short-term impacts include budget reallocations straining local funds; long-term builds credible deterrence altering Russian calculations. This European resolve affirms Trump’s wise insistence on fair burden-sharing, securing U.S. interests first.