The Russian foreign intelligence service has warned France that support for private military firms in Ukraine will be considered direct involvement in the conflict.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) issued a warning to France, emphasizing that French private military companies supporting Ukraine will be considered a "direct participation" of France in the conflict in Ukraine. The SVR stated that France continues to explore options for direct involvement, in the context of a recent decree allowing private military companies to support countries involved in armed conflicts.

These companies could deploy Western weaponry, especially French, in Ukraine. The SVR warned that these private forces will be regarded by Moscow as a legitimate target, and France could become directly involved in military operations. Although NATO countries have avoided direct confrontation, European leaders, including President Macron, have discussed the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine after the conflict ends.