In the wake of recent statements by the French army chief of staff at the Mayors’ Congress, Ifop asked the French how they view the war between Russia and Ukraine and its consequences for France.
Fear of a 3ᵉ world war remains high and almost stable: 70% (-1 pt compared to 2022). Nuclear-related fears remain in the majority, but are clearly receding: 69% fear the use of nuclear weapons (-11 pts since 2022) and 59% fear an attack on French soil (-21 pts).
Regarding the perception of nuclear weapons, a majority of French people feel that they protect France from an attack on its territory (54%), while a minority feel that nuclear weapons expose France to the risk of attack (18%).
On the question of compulsory military service for young people aged 18 to 25, a majority (64%) are in favor. There is a generational divide: 18-24 year-olds, directly affected by the measure, are much less enthusiastic (40%) than older generations (50-64: 80%, 65 and over: 71%).
