The threat of a Russian aggression in Europe „is not a theoretical one,” warned French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday, after President Donald Trump’s emissary for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said he does not believe in such a possibility.
In this regard, the French diplomacy chief mentioned the hybrid warfare conducted by Russia in Europe and noted that Romania had to cancel the first round of the presidential elections last December following accusations of Russian interference, as reported by France Presse.
Steve Witkoff, to whom President Donald Trump entrusted discussions with Moscow, stated in an interview for Fox News on Sunday that he does not see Russian President Vladimir Putin "wanting to conquer the entire Europe" and considers this threat as "theoretical," as he believes the Russian president desires peace.
During a visit to Singapore, Barrot, who spoke in English, rejected this analysis by the American emissary in front of journalists.
"We observe the facts, and the facts are that today Russia allocates 10% of its GDP to defense spending, which represents 40% of its budget expenditures," he stated.
"Its aggressiveness over the past three years has extended far beyond Ukraine, especially through information manipulation, which has affected France as well, but even more seriously, European countries such as Romania, where the presidential elections had to be canceled due to disinformation campaigns carried out by Russian actors," added the French Foreign Minister.
Europe has also faced "acts of Russian sabotage," especially in Eastern European countries, according to Barrot.
"Therefore, Russia's aggressiveness is not theoretical. It is very concrete, and many European countries have already suffered its consequences, very tangible consequences," he emphasized.
The French Minister added that the front line has "moved closer" to Europe since Russia attacked Ukraine three years ago.
"We want peace, that's why we must deter any threat, whether it comes from Russia or elsewhere," he added.
At the beginning of March, the European Union approved a plan to mobilize up to 800 billion euros over four years to strengthen security on the continent and assist Ukraine, while the US threatens to reduce its commitment to NATO.