**France’s Army Chief Warns of Rising Threats from Russia**
In a rare press conference in Paris, General Thierry Burkhard, the head of the French army, made some startling remarks about Russia. According to him, Moscow sees France as its “main enemy in Europe.” This comes at a time when the Elysee Palace has described the international situation as increasingly unstable.
General Burkhard attributed this view to France’s unwavering support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. He quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying that France is the main adversary, which has put Paris on high alert.
While France is not currently under direct threat from Russia, General Burkhard warned that Putin has many other options at his disposal to wage hybrid warfare. These methods include disinformation campaigns within France, cyberattacks, espionage, and the sabotage of underwater infrastructure. He emphasized that these tactics pose a significant threat to national security.
To counter this, France must bolster its defenses across multiple domains. In space, Russian satellite maneuvers are designed to jam French satellites and spy on them. At sea, Russian nuclear attack submarines regularly patrol the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, which raises concerns about monitoring areas important to both France and the UK. In the air, there have been frequent interactions with Russian aircraft over the Black Sea, Syria, the Mediterranean, and sometimes the North Atlantic.
These developments precede a speech by President Emmanuel Macron to the armed forces on July 13, the eve of Bastille Day. The Elysee Palace has stated that Macron’s address will draw conclusions about defense efforts in light of the evolving international threat landscape.
**Analysis**
This statement by General Burkhard highlights the growing concern within France about Russia’s intentions and actions. By declaring Moscow as its “main enemy in Europe,” Paris is making it clear that it views Russia as a significant security risk. This move comes at a time when tensions between Western nations and Russia are escalating over issues like Ukraine, Syria, and the Black Sea.
France’s response to this perceived threat is crucial, not just for its own national security but also for the stability of Europe. The country will need to strengthen its defenses across various domains, including space, sea, and air, to counter Russian hybrid warfare tactics.
The upcoming address by President Macron on July 13 will be closely watched as it seeks to draw conclusions about defense efforts in light of these rising threats. This statement by General Burkhard serves as a stark reminder that France is taking the threat from Russia seriously and is preparing itself for potential challenges ahead.
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