The denial came after Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its troops had killed "foreign fighters" in Kharkiv, including several dozen French citizens.

In a written statement, France's Foreign Ministry swiftly countered the allegation, stating: "France helps Ukraine with supplies of military material and military training, in full compliance with international law, in order to help Ukraine in its fight to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."

“France has no mercenaries, neither in Ukraine nor elsewhere, unlike certain others,” the statement added.

The clash of claims was further amplified when Russia summoned French Ambassador Pierre Levy to the Foreign Ministry in Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated: "In connection with the destruction by the Russian armed forces of a temporary deployment point of foreign fighters in Kharkiv, among whom were several dozen Frenchmen, the French ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry."

This heightened diplomatic standoff adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in Ukraine. The truth of the matter regarding the alleged French presence and the strike remains unclear, further fueling tensions between the two nations. (ILKHA)