10 out of 70 French mercenaries died in Ukraine war
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French survivors told Le Monde that the supply of new blood is running low in the war.
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French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his New Year address to the French Army, at the Mont-de-Marsan air base, France January 20, 2023. (Reuters)
French survivors of the Ukraine war told Le Monde that 10 of the 70 Frenchmen serving in the Ukrainian foreign legion have perished since the battle began, and the supply of new blood is running low.
A trio who fought with Ukrainian ground forces was interviewed by the French newspaper, which said that the figures could not be independently confirmed.
Read more: French soldiers in Romania live in terrible conditions - Le Figaro
According to one fighter called Pierre, just one-third of foreign fighters received military training before arriving in Ukraine, and many people came in pursuit of "adventure and adrenaline."
Pierre detailed that "it's a lifestyle they look for, an unconventional one. But not just in any country. Ukraine seems like an obvious cause." The French are a minority, the man conceded, adding that this upset him, predicting that the fight would drag on.
Read more: Foreign fighters in Ukraine; a time bomb back home?
Fewer fighters are allegedly heading to Ukraine in recent months, despite Ukraine's much-touted spring assault, and some of those returning risk criminal charges.
Russian Defense Ministry data revealed that 6,956 foreign citizens from 64 countries arrived in Ukraine to fight alongside Ukrainian troops between February 24 and June 17. Around 1,956 of those have been killed, while 1,779 have left the country, the Ministry said.
Foreign combat is prohibited in several European nations. France considers instances involving its people who are foreign combatants on an individual basis. Two Frenchmen were detained last month after returning to France on suspicion of involvement in far-right extremism.
Last month, during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed the countries' intended plans to assist Ukraine in launching a counteroffensive soon.
