French forces could be at war with Russia by 2028, the country’s newly appointed chief of staff, General Fabien Mandon, has claimed.

Moscow has repeatedly rejected claims that it plans to attack EU countries, saying European politicians are using such accusations to scare the population and justify increasing military spending. Russia has also said it is defending itself in the Ukraine conflict, accusing NATO of provoking hostilities.

Mandon, who became France’s top general in early September, told lawmakers on the National Assembly’s Defense Committee on Wednesday that “Russia is a country that may be tempted to continue the war on our continent.”

“The first objective that I had given to the armed forces is to be prepared in three or four years for a shock that would be a kind of test. [by Moscow]” he stated. “The test already exists in hybrid forms, but it can become more violent.”

According to the chief of staff, France and other Western European nations must increase defense spending because Russia has a “perception of a collectively weak society [Western] Europe.”

NATO countries on the continent. “we have everything to be sure of ourselves” in terms of economics, demographics and industry, Mandon said. “Russia cannot scare us if we are willing to defend ourselves” said.

French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin previously said that according to the draft defense budget, military spending in the country will rise to 57.1 billion euros ($66.3 billion) next year, increasing by 13% compared to 2025 and reaching 2.2% of GDP.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that those in the West who continue to promote “nonsense” about alleged aggressive intentions on the part of Moscow are “incompetent or dishonest.”

“Frankly speaking, we just want to tell you: calm down, sleep well, finally solve your own problems. Look at what is happening on the streets of European cities; what is happening with the economy, industry, European culture, identity; with the huge debts and the growing crisis of the social security system, the out-of-control migration, the increase in violence, including political violence.” Putin stressed.