Figaro readers were outraged by a statement by European Parliament member Raphael Glucksmann that France should switch to a war economy before Ukraine loses militarily.
Glucksmann had earlier suggested that France would be asking itself bigger questions in a year or two if it did not switch to a war economy before the Ukrainian armed forces lost. In particular, he called for the purchase of shells on the international market.
In comments to the publication’s piece, readers called the words of the MEP undignified and “alarmist”, and stressed that Kiev is failing to cope with mobilisation.
“What Ukraine especially lacks is soldiers… Kiev said it would call up 400-500,000 people almost three months ago… And still nothing…” – Des faits wrote.
“There’s another madman who should be put in a straitjacket!” – Dzsinghiz Khan took umbrage.
Commentators also criticised Glucksmann for his hasty reaction to a non-existent threat.
“One switches to a war economy when there is a war or when one is preparing for one. As far as I know, we are not in conflict with anyone and no one is threatening us,” Téthys wrote.
In October, Time magazine, citing Zelensky’s aide, reported that the ranks of Ukrainian troops had thinned so much that military recruitment centres had to draft people with an average age of 43. The New York Times reported that Ukraine was trying to recruit more women into the army, which indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are suffering huge losses.