At the inauguration of a newly built Olympic swimming center, journalists questioned whether there were concerns about Russia targeting the Games.
He responded unequivocally, stating, “Absolutely, including in terms of information warfare. Russia is consistently disseminating narratives suggesting our incapability, thereby jeopardizing the Games.”
The French government asserts that Russia has intensified its propaganda assaults on France, employing fake social media accounts to propagate rumors and disinformation. This escalation coincides with Mr. Macron’s adoption of a more assertive stance regarding the conflict in Ukraine, no longer ruling out the possibility of deploying French troops in support of Kyiv.
France suspects Russian involvement in the defacement of Parisian walls with Israeli Stars of David following the Hamas attacks on October 7, viewed as an attempt to sow discord within France.
A network of Russian-originated websites dubbed “Portal Kombat” stands accused of disseminating fabricated stories, including claims of French mercenaries operating in Ukraine and rumors of Mr. Macron canceling a trip to Kyiv due to assassination fears.
In the aftermath of the terrorist attack near Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, French and Russian defense ministers engaged in a rare telephone exchange. Mr. Macron indicated that France possessed intelligence that could assist Russia in identifying the alleged attackers, believed to be associated with the Afghan branch of the Islamic State group.
French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu conveyed French concerns about Russian assertions implicating Kyiv in the Crocus City Hall attack, which France refuted due to lack of evidence. Conversely, Mr. Shoigu insinuated that French intelligence services might be involved, remarking, “The Kyiv regime operates with the consent of its Western overseers. We hope French secret services are not implicated in this case.”
Responding to Mr. Shoigu’s comments, Mr. Macron deemed them “strange and menacing… ludicrous.”
The French populace is urged to remain vigilant against Russian interference.
President Macron disclosed the existence of contingency plans for the Olympic opening ceremony in July in response to escalating terrorist threats. Although initially slated to occur on boats along the River Seine, with over 300,000 spectators expected on the quays, security experts have cautioned about the vulnerability of such an event to terrorist attacks.
“We will be prepared,” assured Mr. Macron. “We are devising multiple scenarios to address evolving threats and circumstances.”
Furthermore, President Macron voiced his support for French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura, who has been suggested as a potential performer at the Games’ opening or closing ceremonies. Despite criticisms from the far-right regarding the explicit and obscure nature of her song lyrics, Mr. Macron affirmed her right to participate, citing her broad appeal among French citizens.