General Burkhard highlights Russia's military capabilities and targeting of France in broader geopolitical tensions
Russia Views France as Its Primary European Adversary, Says French General
Russia Views France as Its Primary European Adversary, Says French General
French military leader warns of Russia's ongoing threat amid Ukraine crisis
In a rare news conference on Friday, General Thierry Burkhard, head of the French military, underscored Russia's expanding military ambitions and labeled France as its principal adversary in Europe. Burkhard characterized Russia as a “lasting, close threat” that poses multiple challenges to European security, ranging from satellite disruptions to covert destabilization efforts.
Despite sustaining significant losses in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Burkhard asserted that Russia remains a potent military force, likely to rearm and pose a serious risk to European borders by 2030. He stressed, “Russia will continue to rearm, despite the incredible losses it is suffering.” His assessment pointed to a comprehensive military structure in Moscow, equipped with effective nuclear delivery systems and a resilient population willing to endure significant hardships.
Burkhard reiterated multiple times that Russian President Vladimir Putin perceives France as his main European enemy. “Putin said it, ‘France is my main adversary in Europe,’” he noted, adding that this mindset has manifested in several aggressive patterns against France. He reported instances such as Russian satellites actively jamming French communications, submarines patrolling international waters to monitor French interests, and long-range bomber flights targeting allied naval groups.
The general also revealed covert Russian actions within France, including misinformation campaigns about a supposed bedbug outbreak and targeting of Jewish symbols in the context of rising antisemitic incidents, particularly following recent attacks on October 7. Burkhard emphasized that destabilizing France could lead to broader ramifications across Europe, making it imperative for French citizens and the government to remain vigilant.
He called for heightened awareness about the direct threat posed by Russia, declaring, “We are the No. 1 adversary designated by the Russians, and that means there’s an existing level of threat.” However, a request for specific instances of Putin’s characterization of France as a primary enemy was met with a reference to a recent poll indicating that nearly half of Russian respondents view France as the nation most hostile to Russia.
Reporting contributed by Alina Lobzina in London. Catherine Porter is an international reporter for The Times, covering France from Paris.
Despite sustaining significant losses in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Burkhard asserted that Russia remains a potent military force, likely to rearm and pose a serious risk to European borders by 2030. He stressed, “Russia will continue to rearm, despite the incredible losses it is suffering.” His assessment pointed to a comprehensive military structure in Moscow, equipped with effective nuclear delivery systems and a resilient population willing to endure significant hardships.
Burkhard reiterated multiple times that Russian President Vladimir Putin perceives France as his main European enemy. “Putin said it, ‘France is my main adversary in Europe,’” he noted, adding that this mindset has manifested in several aggressive patterns against France. He reported instances such as Russian satellites actively jamming French communications, submarines patrolling international waters to monitor French interests, and long-range bomber flights targeting allied naval groups.
The general also revealed covert Russian actions within France, including misinformation campaigns about a supposed bedbug outbreak and targeting of Jewish symbols in the context of rising antisemitic incidents, particularly following recent attacks on October 7. Burkhard emphasized that destabilizing France could lead to broader ramifications across Europe, making it imperative for French citizens and the government to remain vigilant.
He called for heightened awareness about the direct threat posed by Russia, declaring, “We are the No. 1 adversary designated by the Russians, and that means there’s an existing level of threat.” However, a request for specific instances of Putin’s characterization of France as a primary enemy was met with a reference to a recent poll indicating that nearly half of Russian respondents view France as the nation most hostile to Russia.
Reporting contributed by Alina Lobzina in London. Catherine Porter is an international reporter for The Times, covering France from Paris.
