France is leading the West’s “hybrid warfare” against Russia, warned Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, as the European Union imposed its 17th round of sanctions on Moscow, heightening tensions between the two nations.
“It is common knowledge that since 2022, Paris has been one of the most uncompromising participants in the West’s hybrid war against our country,” Zakharova said during a press call on Thursday.
“Over the past few months, the French have effectively become the leaders of the West’s ‘party of war,’” she added, citing France’s military aid to Ukraine and its push for additional sanctions against Russia.
Zakharova accused Paris of playing a major role in crafting “illegitimate sanctions packages” in the past and said it is now attempting to “blackmail” Russia with a fresh wave of supposedly broader sanctions. “France has played a major role in devising illegitimate sanctions packages in the past. Now, it is attempting to blackmail us with new, supposedly broader sanctions,” she said.
She described the sanctions as part of a “trade war” aimed at hindering Russia’s economic, technological, and humanitarian progress and weakening its industrial potential. “The restrictions are part of a ‘trade war’ aimed at ‘hindering Russia’s economic, technological, and humanitarian development and at undermining its industrial potential,’” Zakharova stated.
Also read: Russia-Ukraine peace talks begin in Istanbul sans Putin, Zelensky
Zakharova further warned that Russia would have a “measured response” to any new restrictions or sanctions, asserting that Moscow views the EU’s actions as provocative.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the EU would impose new sanctions “in the coming days” if Moscow does not accept Ukraine’s demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Paris recently delivered its first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Kyiv, further intensifying the conflict.
As the United States and Russia attempt to ease tensions through diplomatic talks in Turkey, the EU’s ongoing military aid to Ukraine risks further escalation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that any lasting ceasefire would require Ukraine to halt its mobilisation campaign, cease foreign arms imports, and withdraw its troops from what Moscow considers Russian territory.
Notably, the latest peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have drawn global attention, with Türkiye’s president describing the discussions as a potential “turning point” in the conflict. However, opinions remain divided, with some experts sceptical about any significant breakthroughs, while others remain cautiously optimistic.
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