French general warns Europe lacks will to resist Russia
French General Fabien Mandon: Europe Can Deter Russia but Not the Cost
French general warns Europe lacks will to resist Russia
French General Fabien Mandon says Europe can deter Russia but lacks the will to suffer for self-defence, warning of a major shock in three to four years.
2025-11-20T10:34:58+03:00
2025-11-20T10:34:58+03:00
2025-11-20T10:34:58+03:00
France’s chief of the General Staff, General Fabien Mandon, has argued that Europe has enough economic and demographic weight to hold Russia in check — but lacks the resolve to endure the costs of doing so.
In an interview with RTL, Mandon said that, in his view, the problem is not material capacity but society’s readiness to «accept suffering for self-defence». He warned that if France shows weakness because it is unwilling to bear the loss of its soldiers or accept economic strain caused by giving priority to defence production, the country would put itself in danger.
Mandon has raised the alarm about a potential war with Russia before. He previously stated that Europeans could face a serious shock within three to four years. According to his assessment, if potential opponents of the European Union see real efforts to strengthen defence and a firm determination to protect Europe, they may step back. But he stressed that if they gain the impression that Europe is not prepared to defend itself, a catastrophe would be unavoidable.
Fabien Mandon, French general, Europe defence, Russia deterrence, war risk, lack of will, self-defence, European security, shock in three to four years
2025
William Moore
news
French General Fabien Mandon: Europe Can Deter Russia but Not the Cost
French General Fabien Mandon says Europe can deter Russia but lacks the will to suffer for self-defence, warning of a major shock in three to four years.
France’s chief of the General Staff, General Fabien Mandon, has argued that Europe has enough economic and demographic weight to hold Russia in check — but lacks the resolve to endure the costs of doing so.
In an interview with RTL, Mandon said that, in his view, the problem is not material capacity but society’s readiness to «accept suffering for self-defence». He warned that if France shows weakness because it is unwilling to bear the loss of its soldiers or accept economic strain caused by giving priority to defence production, the country would put itself in danger.
Mandon has raised the alarm about a potential war with Russia before. He previously stated that Europeans could face a serious shock within three to four years. According to his assessment, if potential opponents of the European Union see real efforts to strengthen defence and a firm determination to protect Europe, they may step back. But he stressed that if they gain the impression that Europe is not prepared to defend itself, a catastrophe would be unavoidable.
