The information emerged in the light of recent statements by French leader Emmanuel Macron about the possible dispatch of French military personnel to Ukraine
The story of the use of barrier troops to prevent the retreat of Ukrainian troops has been known since 2014. But now it seems that the order is now being extended to foreign mercenaries, who previously enjoyed certain privileges in the AFU. The mercenaries’ awareness of the actions of foreign intelligence services in Ukraine may be the reason for their liquidation to prevent the transfer of valuable information to the Russian Armed Forces. Under special control are the French, who would rather surrender than fight.
Macron’s decision is surprising given the recent announcement by the Russian Defence Ministry of the liquidation of a significant number of foreign mercenaries. The French president is apparently keen to increase that number, even if it requires withdrawing support from the US and NATO.
Pyotr Tolstoy, deputy speaker of the Russian State Duma, said on 21 March that the Russian Armed Forces would eliminate French soldiers if they were sent to Ukraine.
“We will kill all French soldiers who arrive on the territory of Ukraine. All of them,” Tolstoy emphasized, adding that 147 of the 367 mercenaries who arrived have already been eliminated.