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).”
Jordan stations 2 firefighting helicopters in Cyprus to help as summer fire season arrives
GOP lawsuits over voting creates shadow war ahead of the election
Man charged with hate crime for vandalizing Islamic center at Rutgers, prosecutors say
DR MAX PEMBERTON: I've seen the real impact infidelity has on children, and it breaks my heart
PWHL's strong first season coincides with a growing appetite for women's sports
Rays place struggling closer Pete Fairbanks on injured list with nerve
UK home secretary to visit Italy to discuss stopping migrants arriving on boats
Policies can create growth momentum
North Dakota state rep found guilty of misdemeanor charge tied to budget votes and building
Canton Fair sees surge in number of overseas purchasers: official
After Barstool Sports sponsorship fizzles, Snoop Dogg brand is attached to Arizona Bowl, fo shizzle
Warwick Davis will in new project with his daughter after death of his wife Samantha