Russia criticized as President Macron said Moscow is a threat to Europe

(CLO) Russia has strongly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron after he declared that Russia is a "threat to France and Europe".

In a speech to the nation on Wednesday, Mr Macron stressed that the war in Ukraine was no longer a regional conflict but had become global.

He also proposed discussing extending France's "nuclear umbrella" to European allies, a move that would increase tensions between Paris and Moscow.

Illustration: GI

Responding to this statement, Russian Senator Konstantin Kosachev said that Mr. Macron had "completely misunderstood" the situation, leading to dangerous conclusions.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also rejected Mr Macron's claims about the strength of the French military, saying he should participate in a military exercise to verify it.

In addition to Russian officials, the leader of France's Les Patriotes party, Florian Philippot, also condemned Mr Macron's remarks, saying he was "looking for war" and deliberately dramatizing the situation to justify confrontational policies towards Moscow.

Mr Philippot also opposed plans to send French troops to Ukraine and criticised proposals to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to European countries, which he warned could lead to Paris losing control of its nuclear weapons. He said he would hold a protest on 8 March.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied allegations that Russia intends to attack NATO, asserting that the West is spreading propaganda to justify a policy of confrontation with Moscow.

Hoai Phuong (according to TASS, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nga-chi-trich-vi-tong-thong-macron-noi-moscow-la-moi-de-doa-doi-voi-phap-va-chau-au-post337325.html