France’s defence chief warns that a open war with Russia remains his top concern for military preparedness, signaling a long-term European security challenge.

He has previously projected Russia could be preparing for confrontation around 2030, underscoring a persistent strategic threat to Europe.

Mandon stresses the threat is long-term and stresses the need for army readiness in the face of ongoing Ukraine resistance.

The defence programming update is presented to the Council of Ministers as essential to protecting citizens and French interests amid terrorism, regional conflicts, and other crises.

Russia defends its invasion as protecting Russian-speaking populations and countering anti-Russian policies in Ukraine, framing the conflict as a regional security issue.

France and Europe have supplied weapons to Ukraine but are not directly involved in the conflict, according to the report.

Mandon notes that U.S. priorities differ from Europe’s, arguing Europe must reinforce defense to cover gaps and immediate needs.

He warns of a risky global threat environment, including potential limits to U.S. commitment to Europe, while confirming ongoing high-quality dialogue with U.S. military officials.

The remarks were delivered during an April 9, 2026 parliamentary hearing of the Defence Committee focused on strengthening the defense budget through 2030.

The draft defense measures come amid continued European support for Ukraine and France’s stance on maintaining readiness against perceived Russian threats.

France proposes a major defence-spending boost, aiming to strengthen military capacity while stressing that the period is dangerous but not to cause alarm.

The piece contrasts French warnings of a long-term threat with Moscow’s denial of an overarching threat to other nations, showing divergent security narratives in Europe.