Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron warned Tuesday that Europe 'would be wrong to be weak' in the face of an increasingly aggressive Russia, insisting that Moscow is waging a broad 'strategic confrontation' against EU and NATO countries. Speaking in an RTL/M6 documentary interview ahead of a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," an alliance formed in March 2025 to support Ukraine, Macron said Russia is conducting hybrid operations across Europe, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and attempts to inflame social tensions in France.
According to Anadolu Agency, Macron highlighted that Russia is engaging in hybrid warfare, which includes provocations on nuclear issues, cyberattacks targeting hospitals and information systems, and information warfare aimed at undermining morale. He pointed to recent antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents in France as part of a broader destabilization strategy. Macron stressed the importance of Europe maintaining its resolve, warning that showing weakness in Ukraine would encourage further Russian advances.
Macron further elaborated on Russia's increasingly aggressive posture, noting that Moscow now allocates over a third of its budget to defense and is expanding its production of missiles, submarines, and tanks. He emphasized the necessity for Europe to stand firm against such threats, asserting that France must demonstrate its strength in the face of potential threats.
The French President also announced plans for a new national service program, clarifying that it will not involve deploying French youth to Ukraine. He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging the war, stating that Putin could end the conflict if he chose to. Instead, according to Macron, Putin continues to target civilians and destroy critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Macron commented on the US' 28-point peace framework discussed in Geneva, describing it as a positive step but highlighting the need for improvements to ensure Ukrainian sovereignty is protected. He emphasized that any peace settlement should not force Ukraine into territorial concessions or compromise its security, advocating for a peace that does not equate to capitulation and endanger collective security.