CLAIM: France sent troops to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X that France has not deployed troops to Ukraine, calling the claim “disinformation.” Reports of the deployment cited a May 3 blog post by Stephen Bryen, a deputy undersecretary for the Department of Defense during the Reagan administration.
THE FACTS: Social media users are pointing to the blog post as proof that French troops have been sent to fight Russia alongside Ukraine as the war continues in its third year.
“France has sent its first troops officially to Ukraine,” the blog post reads. “They have been deployed in support of the Ukrainian 54th Independent Mechanized Brigade in Slavyansk. The French soldiers are drawn from France’s 3rd Infantry Regiment, which is one of the main elements of France’s Foreign Legion (Légion étrangère).”
Arsenal needs a favor from Tottenham in the title race. Current form suggests it won't happen
Special performance for artists with Plum Performance Award and Peony Award was held
With record scale, China's consumer products expo shares opportunities, market with world
Xi Sends Congratulatory Letter to Liangzhu Forum
RuPaul's Drag Race Australia judge Rhys Nicholson lists unique Coburg townhouse for $850K
Xi to Pay State Visit to Vietnam
Paedophile hunter reveals he caught his wife's cousin trying to meet up with children online
Xi Focus: Xi Calls for Giving Better Play to Constitution's Role in Governance