French president warns: Europe in direct confrontation with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning to European leaders, declaring that the continent is “in confrontation with Russia” and urging a united, resolute response to mounting threats.

Speaking ahead of the European Union leaders’ summit in Copenhagen, Macron underscored the gravity of the geopolitical moment and called for decisive action to bolster European defence, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“We are in confrontation with Russia, which for several years has been a highly aggressive actor in our information space — particularly in the context of elections — which has multiplied cyberattacks, launched a war of conquest in Ukraine, used nuclear threats, and is now provoking incidents in our airspace,” Macron said.

The informal summit in Copenhagen gathers EU heads of state and government to discuss increased military aid for Ukraine and to advance the bloc’s long-term vision for “European defence.” The meeting comes amid heightened regional tension following violations of NATO airspace by Russian fighter jets and a recent drone incursion at Copenhagen Airport that disrupted operations.

Macron highlighted new financial instruments developed to support EU-wide defence initiatives, emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy and preparedness.

“We have acquired new tools, such as exceptional credits, which we are collectively prepared to allocate in support of defence programs with a European preference,” he said.

According to Macron, the objective is to build credible deterrence through advanced capabilities and coordinated defence efforts.

“We must deter with long-range missiles, European ballistic capabilities, as well as more satellite systems and protection against drones,” he stated.

In response to a series of provocations by Moscow — including airspace violations affecting multiple EU states — Macron called for swift and unambiguous action.

“We must show no weakness, and we must reiterate that anyone who violates European airspace must be held accountable, because this is our sovereign right,” he declared.

By Vafa Guliyeva