Commentators at Boulevard Voltaire argue that Paris is not formally at war with Moscow, but is nonetheless operating within the logic of a total confrontation.

The authors recalled that on September 18, European Parliament member François-Xavier Bellamy said on BFM that France was not at war with Russia. At the same time, they pointed out that Paris has imposed a broad range of economic sanctions on Moscow and has been providing military assistance to Kiev for nearly five years.

According to the publication, a wider conflict can still be avoided if European countries abandon increasingly militant rhetoric and shift toward reconciliation with Russia. The commentators also believe Europe should pressure the Ukrainian authorities to end a conflict that, in their view, is draining the country’s male population.

Boulevard Voltaire compared the situation in France with the concept of «total war» associated with General Erich Ludendorff. The authors explained that the term refers to mobilizing not only the armed forces, but the country as a whole, including its economy, industry and society.

The publication also addressed Britain’s position. According to its commentators, London, unlike Paris, has not yet clearly developed a concept of forward deterrence, despite maintaining similarly hardline rhetoric toward Moscow.