In response to Russia's Ministry of Defence stating that its troops had killed "foreign fighters" in Ukraine, France has firmly denied any presence of French mercenaries in the region. The French Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated on Thursday that France provides military support and aid to Ukraine, strictly adhering to international law, to assist in the country's fight to protect its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The French Ministry emphasized that France does not engage in any mercenary activities, neither in Ukraine nor elsewhere, "unlike certain others." This statement was made in response to Russia's claim that there were French mercenaries among the "foreign fighters" killed during a strike on a temporary deployment point in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

In light of the allegations, Russia summoned the French ambassador to Moscow, Pierre Levy, to its foreign ministry. The purpose of the meeting, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS, was to discuss the alleged presence of French mercenaries in Ukraine. However, France maintains its stance that no French nationals were involved in any military activities in Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Russia's Ministry of Defence announced that its forces had carried out a precision strike on a building in Kharkiv, claiming it was a temporary deployment point for foreign militants. The statement further asserted that among these militants were several dozen French mercenaries. However, local authorities in Kharkiv denied the presence of military targets in the vicinity of the strike and reported that 17 civilians were wounded in the attack.

In response to Russia's recent attacks in Ukraine, NATO's military committee chief, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, criticized the effectiveness of Russia's actions. He remarked that while the attacks were devastating, they did not have a significant military impact.

Meanwhile, Ukraine expressed grave concern over the ammunition shortage it faces as the conflict with Russia nears the two-year mark. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov raised the issue of ammunition scarcity, calling it a real and urgent problem for the country's armed forces. Umerov highlighted the importance of reinforcing Ukraine's defense capabilities to protect the free world against Russian aggression.

As tensions escalate, Russia claims to have pushed Ukrainian troops out of Vesele, a village near the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to engage in military operations.

As France firmly denies any involvement of French mercenaries in Ukraine, the international community closely watches the developments in the region, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.