France’s military conducted a secret exercise last year, simulating a potential troop deployment in Ukraine, according to Intelligence Online. The training, code-named “Perseus” involved special forces, drone pilots, and cyber warfare specialists from the French Army, who spent several days at a top-secret location.
The exercise, which involved 3,200 soldiers, took place in an area that resembles the Dnjepr River bend north of Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, in terms of topography. The entire French Special Operations Command for Land Operations (CAST) was mobilized for a week to test personnel and equipment.
The exercise focused on the use of tactical drones and electronic warfare, as well as the effectiveness of data fusion in high-intensity combat situations. French quadcopters, including the Parrot Anafi MK3, and Chinese-made DJI Mavic 3T drones were used during the training, sparking criticism due to concerns over data privacy.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced that he and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the possibility of deploying troops in Ukraine, expanding the military presence, and involving additional countries.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SWR) recently announced that the West plans to send “peacekeeping” troops of around 100,000 men to Ukraine to restore the country’s combat readiness, describing it as a de facto occupation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow, however, stated that the deployment of peacekeeping troops is only possible with the consent of the parties involved in a conflict.