About fifteen Ukrainian legionnaires were intercepted by police officers from the police headquarters on Tuesday 1er March in the evening, in Paris, when they were about to take a bus to leave for Ukraine, learned The world this Wednesday, March 2, from a source familiar with the matter. As engaged in the French army, therefore under contract, these men can be considered as deserters, despite the circumstances of the war in Ukraine. Some of these legionnaires were however, according to the first elements of the investigation, on leave – therefore potentially free to move.
For several days, the armies have been paying close attention to the approximately 700 legionnaires of Ukrainian nationality who are now engaged in the French Foreign Legion. Both in terms of the risk of desertion, but also of attention to their personal and family situation, many having de facto relatives in Ukraine.
For several days also, those who follow the Ukrainian diaspora closely have known that a certain number of former Ukrainian legionnaires who passed through the ranks of the French army no longer concealed their intention to organize themselves, even to train some of their compatriots wishing to leave to fight. As far as these former legionnaires are concerned, the military hierarchy has no control over them – they are free to mobilize.
Find loved ones fleeing the war
Among the fifteen legionnaires intercepted on Tuesday evening, as part of an identity check on board two buses leaving for Ukraine, around ten had a “exceptional permission” to reach a country bordering Ukraine (excluding Belarus and Russia) to find relatives fleeing the war, according to General Alain Lardet, who commands the Foreign Legion. These men have reportedly told their hierarchy in recent days of the difficulties of their loved ones and their wish to help them. Some 25 such permits have been issued in total since the war began on February 24. “Of course, this authorization is based on respect for the word given”points out General Lardet.
For five other legionnaires intercepted on Tuesday evening, the motivations are more vague at this stage. They are currently being heard, like the others, at Fort Nogent (Val-de-Marne), where the Foreign Legion has an establishment. If it turned out that they were going to Ukraine to fight, they “will be punished”, says General Lardet. Days of stops could be pronounced. “If true, they will have breached the Legion’s code of honor. When you are engaged under the French flag, it is not possible to choose your fight or your cause.recalls General Lardet.
You have 13.98% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.