Russia has accused France of endorsing neo-Nazi elements in Ukraine, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asserting that Paris actively backs such forces. Speaking to RIA Novosti, she stated that neo-Nazism in Ukraine has developed into terrorism.

"Paris, by the way, officially and with some incredible, crazy — I don't know — force supports neo-Nazism, which has blossomed in Ukraine. Moreover, this neo-Nazism in Ukraine has already turned into terrorism, that is, it has mutated," Zakharova said.

She further described Ukraine's leadership as functioning like an "international terrorist cell," asserting that it carries out frequent attacks targeting civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. Zakharova accused France of sustaining this with military, financial, and political assistance.

The spokeswoman also criticized France's decision to send  Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, arguing that such actions would only push both Kiev and its Western backers into a deadlock.

France recently delivered its first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, alongside F-16s from the Netherlands. Additionally, France has been training a new Ukrainian military brigade and has suggested the possibility of sending European instructors to Ukraine for training purposes. French officials maintain that these measures are meant to reinforce Ukraine's defenses rather than escalate the conflict.

Read more: No excuse for neo-Nazi crimes in Ukraine: Putin

Moscow has consistently framed Western military aid to Ukraine as a direct contribution to the ongoing conflict.

Western nations have dismissed Russia's accusations of neo-Nazism in Ukraine, viewing them as an attempt to justify military actions. However, there is documented evidence of nationalist and far-right groups within Ukraine, a point that has been acknowledged in various reports and analyses.

France has yet to respond to Zakharova's latest remarks.