France’s new armed forces chief, Gen. Fabien Mandon, warned that the country must be ready to “lose its children” in a potential war with Russia within the next three to four years, citing a lack of societal “spirit” to endure necessary sacrifices.

His remarks, linking France’s rearmament to the ongoing war in Ukraine, sparked backlash across the political spectrum, with critics accusing him of warmongering and overstating threats.

Left-wing leaders, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Fabien Roussel, denounced his rhetoric as alarming and inappropriate, while some on the right also questioned his legitimacy to make such statements.

Former Socialist Segolene Royal demanded that President Macron clarify whether he endorsed Mandon’s warnings or require the general’s resignation, The Telegraph has reported.

The debate coincides with Germany encouraging military enlistment amid rising public concern over Russian aggression, highlighting broader European anxieties about potential conflict.