16.01.2025, Paris.
France secretly conducted the “Perseus” exercises last year to prepare its special forces for deployment in Ukraine in the event of a hypothetical Russian breakthrough from Belarusian territory, the French online publication Intelligence Online reported on January 15.
“Last autumn, Paris prepared its special forces in strict secrecy for a scenario involving intervention in Ukraine,” the publication stated.
The exercises included French commandos, spy satellites, drone operators, and cyber forces. During the exercises, certain shortcomings in the French Armed Forces were identified.
The goal of the Perseus exercises was to practice the deployment of French special forces in Ukraine in the event of a hypothetical breakthrough by the Russian Armed Forces from Belarus.
According to the report, the French Army Special Forces Command (Commandement des Actions Spéciales Terre – CAST) conducted exercises in terrain resembling areas near the Dnepr River, where forces might be stationed. The exercises incorporated experience gained from Ukraine’s combat experience.
“When the idea of deploying European troops in Ukraine was being discussed, French forces were already preparing for such a scenario by late 2024,” the publication noted.
Yesterday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that he had discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron France’s initiative to deploy Western military contingents on Ukrainian territory.
In November 2024, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) stated that the West was preparing to deploy a peacekeeping force of approximately 100,000 troops in Ukraine to restore its combat capabilities. The SVR described this as the de facto occupation of Ukraine.
According to the SVR, Romania, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom plan to participate in this occupation.