French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning, confirming his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to maliciously target this summer’s Paris Olympics.
Macron’s chilling claim came during an event in Paris dedicated to the opening of the new Olympic Aquatics Centre.
Responding to a reporter’s question about potential threats to the Olympics, Macron expressed unwavering conviction: “I have no doubt whatsoever, including in terms of information.”
He stressed the persistent efforts by Russia to sow doubt and fear, adding: “Russia feeds every day into the idea that we shouldn’t do this or that, that there is a risk and that’s why we must stand firm.”
The French leader also underscored the importance of resilience and truth in the face of such challenges, stating: “Strength of character, self-confidence and the relationship with the truth are the great strengths of democracies and great nations.”
The French president also dismissed as “ridiculous” remarks made by Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, who suggested Ukrainian and French involvement in last month’s deadly Moscow concert hall attack.
Macron condemned such statements as “baroque and threatening”, emphasising that they were part of Russia’s misinformation tactics.
The rare phone call between the French and Russian defence ministers on Wednesday further underscored tensions.
While the Russian Defence Ministry quoted Shoigu’s insinuations about French involvement in the Moscow attack, France’s defence ministry firmly denied any links to Ukraine or the attack itself.
France’s defence minister, Sébastien Lecornu, reiterated France’s condemnation of the Moscow attack and its support for Ukraine.
However, Macron stressed that France’s willingness to share information on the attack prompted the call, highlighting a commitment to counterterrorism efforts.
Putin and Russian officials have persistently sought to implicate Ukraine and the West in the attack, despite evidence to the contrary.
Macron’s warning comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations, with the spectre of potential disruptions to international events looming large.
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