A struggle with Russia is just not inevitable, says the Army Chief of Staff – One-on-one | EUROtoday
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In an interview with France 24, General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the Army, refutes the inevitability of a struggle with Russia, whereas confirming a strengthening of the French presence within the Middle East. Concerning voluntary nationwide service, he says he has confidence within the want of younger individuals to decide to France.
If Army General Pierre Schill acknowledges that Russia constitutes a “structuring” risk – Moscow having “already shown that it was ready to use its army” in Ukraine – he refuses any fatalism. The problem, he mentioned, is to be “strong, determined, collectively credible” to discourage any aggression towards France’s European allies.
Addressing the struggle within the Middle East, the final affirms that France has already deployed further technique of anti-aircraft protection and intelligence because the begin of the battle, and warns that “more means cannot be ruled out”, relying on the choices of the President of the Republic.
Young French individuals “want to serve their country”
Regarding voluntary nationwide service, Pierre Schill says he’s “very confident”. Young French individuals need to “serve their country”, he assures, and the system, which begins at 3,000 recruits and reaches 42,000 in 2035, “will be a success”.
Finally, for the Chief of Staff, the difficulty goes past the army sphere alone. “It is armies that win battles, but it is nations that win wars,” he mentioned, putting collective will on the coronary heart of the nation’s protection.
Text by Sophian Aubin
https://www.france24.com/fr/%C3%A9missions/en-t%C3%AAte-%C3%A0-t%C3%AAte/20260325-guerre-avec-la-russie-pas-in%C3%A9luctable-affirme-chef-%C3%A9tat-major-arm%C3%A9e-de-terre-pierre-schill