Macron: France Sees Signs Russia Preparing to Mobilize 300,000 More Troops

French President Emmanuel Macron told TF1 television that tensions are rising across Europe as Russia intensifies hostile actions against the continent. He said the number of hostile acts by Russia has risen sharply in recent weeks, affecting both Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since February 2022, and European countries.

Macron said France considers it plausible that Russia could decide to mobilize an additional 300,000 people. He stated there are several signs pointing to such preparations, though it remains unclear whether Moscow would announce such a mobilization publicly.

Warning Over Drone Threats

Journalists asked Macron whether France itself could become a target of Russian drone attacks, referencing German claims that Russia had been preparing sabotage operations at Leipzig Airport using drones. Macron answered affirmatively, stressing that Russia views Europe as a strategic support base for Ukraine because European nations are helping Kyiv.

He noted that France has for years been a target of information operations and cyberattacks, though it has not experienced incidents like those reported in Leipzig. Nevertheless, Macron said, the evolving threat must be assessed clearly and prepared for accordingly.

Macron also mentioned that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency had not shared information with France regarding an alleged Russian plan to launch drones from civilian ships to strike countries in southern Europe.

Preparatory Measures

On September 18, Macron met with leaders of France's political parties and subsequently instructed the government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure, including defense industry facilities, from drone and cyberattacks. He accused Russia of attempting to intimidate European nations and undermine support for Ukraine.