French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated Tuesday that the threat of Russian invasion in Europe is “not theoretical” following the dismissal of concerns by US President Donald Trump’s envoy regarding Moscow’s potential to gain more territory.
“Many countries in Europe have already experienced” Russian aggression, according to France’s top ambassador, who called it “very factual.”
“Over the last three years, its aggression has gone far beyond Ukraine,” Barrot told reporters in Singapore.
He accused Moscow of “acts of sabotage and other attempts to destabilise European countries” in addition to “information manipulation.”
The comments made by Barrot follow US envoy Steve Witkoff’s statement on Sunday that he believes Russian leader Vladimir Putin has no intention of annexing more of Ukraine or advancing into other European countries.
Using the term “academic” to describe such concerns, Witkoff told Fox News, “I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe.”
The United States has drastically changed its stance on Russia since Trump came to office.
Under former President Joe Biden, Washington led a Western coalition to exert pressure on the Kremlin and viewed Moscow as the aggressor. The US’s primary responsibility now, according to Witkoff, is to mediate and comprehend all sides.
“We need to deter any threat” to bring about peace, France’s foreign minister stated while speaking in Singapore.
Leaders of the coalition supporting Ukraine are scheduled to visit Paris this week.
Chinese sources stated that the minister will fly to Beijing and economic giant Shanghai on Thursday and Friday, while Barrot will continue his regional tour by visiting Indonesia on Wednesday.
