A French lawmaker has expressed concern over the potential security threat posed by right-wing militants who have joined the conflict in Ukraine and may eventually return to France. Frederic Mathieu, a member of the left-wing La France Insoumise party, highlighted the presence of French fighters in the Ukrainian international legion in a written question to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. Mathieu stated that out of the 400 French individuals who have traveled to Ukraine, around 100 of them are combatants, with most of them being identified as part of the ultra-right movement.
According to Mathieu, these fighters are aligned with Ukrainian units such as the Revanche Battalion, which was established by members of the ultra-nationalist organization Tradition and Order. Prior to the start of the conflict in February 2022, this battalion was involved in violent clashes with Ukrainian police. The French fighters, Mathieu argued, openly showcase neo-Nazi symbols on their social media accounts through flags and tattoos. They justify their participation in the conflict as a fight for European civilization and against what they perceive as the “Asian hordes,” while embracing white supremacy.
Mathieu’s concerns were reinforced by the publication of a photograph depicting several members of the Revanche Battalion, with their faces concealed and bodies adorned with tattoos associated with Nazi ideology. Moreover, the lawmaker cited French officials who have noted an increase in the danger of right-wing extremist terrorism in recent years. Therefore, Mathieu called on the Interior Minister to address the risks associated with the return of right-wing individuals to France and to implement necessary preventive measures to avoid any unfortunate incidents.
As of now, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has not responded to Mathieu’s inquiry. However, Russia has repeatedly argued that foreign mercenaries fighting for Ukraine are legitimate targets, asserting that Kiev uses them as “cannon fodder.” Russia has long voiced concerns about the prevalence of neo-Nazi ideology in Ukraine, and instances of Ukrainian soldiers wearing SS-related insignia have been observed. Russian President Vladimir Putin has identified the “denazification” of Ukraine as one of the key motives behind its military campaign.
The presence of French right-wing militants in the conflict raises apprehensions about their potential activities upon returning to France. The French government must evaluate the risks associated with the repatriation of these individuals and take appropriate measures to prevent any harmful incidents. The spread of extreme right-wing ideologies poses a significant threat to national security and must be addressed promptly and effectively. It remains to be seen how the French authorities will respond to this pressing issue.
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