Elsa Vidal: “Putin’s Russia can only survive through war” In a book, the journalist deciphers French illusions about Russian society and power. There is a sense of resentment among the French at having been saved twice by the Americans.
But there is also a particular affinity for Russia, this empire that does not want to die. The cult of the strong man and vertical power also nourishes nostalgia for a fantasized France. I would add a certain resentment from the French army, which has suffered numerous budget cuts in recent decades.