For almost two years, Russia has been waging an illegal and unjustified war in Ukraine, sowing terror every day and destroying tens of thousands of lives and families. From day one, Europeans have shown tremendous unity. Our societies are united in support of the Ukrainian resistance.

Because we are united behind Ukraine, Russia is doing everything it can to divide us. By manipulating information on our social media and in our media on an almost daily basis, Russia has a clear objective. It wants to sow chaos, harm our interests and distract us from our values. One day we hear about alleged French mercenaries in Ukraine. Another day, we hear about the threat of the conflict expanding, including through irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Then, on another day, the focus shifts to the alleged threat posed by the Ukrainian economy, while Russia has consistently used energy and food as tools to support its war. These lies have turned into political opinions, and they all serve the same cause, which is Russian aggression.

Russia would have us believe that it would be more reasonable to abandon the Ukrainians to their tragic fate. French men and women are not fooled by this. We will not allow ourselves to be manipulated by such blatant maneuvers because nothing could be more contrary to our security and our principles. The costs of a Russian victory would simply be unacceptable for our societies.

The spread of war in Europe

Russia would not be content with just Ukraine. Far from bringing us peace, Moscow's victory could only incite Putin to pursue his expansionist fantasy, using the same means – force – and the same pretext – the fight against a "collective West" he deems depraved and decadent. In addition to its assertive denial of Ukraine as a state, Russia is intent on destroying the European security order and reshaping our continent to suit its own interests.

What awaits us if Russia advances in Ukraine is a permanent threat, daily destabilization and the possibility of an expansion of the war. The danger will not stop at the borders of the European Union and NATO. Our allies and partners in Eastern Europe are already facing it.

Russia is pursuing its cynical and inhumane policy of using migrants to create a crisis on the Finnish border. It is already orchestrating fake demonstrations in Moldova to undermine the popularly elected government of a state destined to join our European family. Our allies keep warning us, with lucid concern. Let's listen to them. And let's open our eyes: we are already suffering, at the heart of our societies, the consequences of Russia's maneuvers and lies, aimed at exacerbating our fears and dividing us.

You have 60% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.