Macron: Europe could become Russia's target
French President Emmanuel Macron assessed the scenario of about 300,000 people potentially being mobilized in Russia as credible. He stated that the mobilization could be announced openly or carried out covertly. Macron also warned of an increase in hostile activities across Europe.
**Macron: Europe could become Russia's target**
French President Emmanuel Macron said he considers the scenario of Moscow potentially mobilizing nearly 300,000 people to be credible.
"They waited for their elections. The elections have passed, and today it is clear that Russia will carry this out," Macron said. He was referring to the elections to the Russian State Duma held on September 18–20.
The French President also added that it is still unknown whether Moscow will announce the mobilization openly or carry it out covertly.
Macron said several signs have been observed indicating that Russia is preparing for such a step. Reacting to information from US, European, and Ukrainian intelligence, he noted: "This is a scenario that seems credible to us."
**Hostile actions have increased in Europe**
According to Macron, the number of hostile actions across Europe has increased in recent weeks. He announced that he gathered representatives of political forces last week to warn them about the growing threat and its consequences for France.
The French President believes that Moscow considers Europe to be Ukraine's strategic rear because Europeans are helping Kyiv. He also noted that Ukraine is striking Russia's oil refineries and other facilities in order to force it to stop the war.
"Therefore, Europe could become a target," Macron said.
He emphasized that the attacks are being carried out through the dissemination of false information in the information space, as well as in cyberspace.
**France is preparing a plan to protect critical infrastructure**
On September 18, Macron announced that France is developing a plan to protect critical infrastructure amid the growing threat of hybrid attacks by Russia.
The report notes that while Russia was previously accused of interfering in elections and using migrants as a tool of pressure on Europe, European intelligence services are now also investigating Russia's potential involvement in sabotage, arson, attacks on critical infrastructure, and airspace violations.