(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that Europe “would be wrong to be weak,” arguing that Russia is intensifying a broad “strategic confrontation” aimed at undermining EU and NATO members, according to reports.

In a documentary interview recorded ahead of a gathering of the "Coalition of the Willing"—a group formed in early 2025 to bolster Ukrainian defense efforts—Macron asserted that Moscow has broadened its hybrid tactics throughout the continent. These operations, he said, span cyber intrusions, coordinated disinformation efforts, and attempts to amplify divisions within French society.

“Russia is waging hybrid warfare. It provokes on nuclear issues, conducts cyberattacks, targets our hospitals and information systems, and engages in information warfare to undermine morale,” Macron said.

He pointed to recent “antisemitic” and “anti-Muslim” incidents inside France as examples of attempts to destabilize the country.

Macron emphasized that Europe must not falter in its response.

“If we are weak in Ukraine, if we say it is no longer our problem because it is far away, that day you send a signal of weakness. And Russia will continue to advance wherever we are weak,” he said.

According to reports, the French leader described Russia’s current posture as “much more aggressive,” noting that Moscow now allocates “more than a third of its budget” to defense while accelerating weapons production, including missiles, submarines, and tanks.

“We would be wrong to be weak in the face of this threat,” he added.

“If we French want to protect ourselves, we must show that we are not weak in the face of the power that threatens us the most.”

Macron also indicated that a new national service plan will soon be unveiled, though he dismissed rumors suggesting it might involve sending French youth to Ukraine.

“We must dispel any misleadng notion that we are going to send our young people to Ukraine,” he stressed.

He further argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is intentionally prolonging the conflict.
“If he wanted to (end the war), he would,” Macron said.

“But today, he continues to kill civilians, including in Kyiv, and continues to methodically destroy all energy and electricity infrastructure, plunging the population into cold and darkness.”

Addressing the 28-point US peace initiative recently discussed in Geneva, Macron said the blueprint represents “a step in the right direction” but insisted that any agreement must fully safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“The plan proposed by the United States is a step in the right direction: peace. However, some elements deserved to be discussed and improved,” he said.

“No one can tell the Ukrainians what territorial concessions they are prepared to make.”

Macron concluded by underscoring that a viable settlement must not force Ukraine into a vulnerable position.

“We want peace, but we do not want a peace that is a capitulation that puts Ukraine in an impossible situation and gives Russia the opportunity to continue pushing further and endangering our collective security,” Macron stressed.

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