"France Condemns Russian Spy Chief's Provocative Remarks on Ukraine Troop Deployment"

France's defense ministry criticized remarks by the chief of Russia's foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, as disinformation and irresponsible after he suggested that France was preparing to send 2,000 troops to Ukraine. Tensions between France and Russia have escalated as Paris has increased its support to Ukraine, including signing a security accord and promising to send more long-range cruise missiles. President Emmanuel Macron has taken a tougher stance on Russia, but has clarified that France has no intention of instigating hostilities against Russia.