Russia designated as Primary Antagonist in EU by French Military Leader
In the year 2025, France finds itself at the centre of a significant geopolitical conflict, with Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration viewing the country as a primary adversary, particularly due to France's unwavering support for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. This assertion comes from General Thierry Burkhard, the French Armed Forces Chief of Staff.
General Burkhard has highlighted that Russia perceives France as a priority target in the realm of information warfare and hybrid conflict, employing tactics such as disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage. These activities are particularly focused on French infrastructure, including underwater assets, and extend to Russian maneuvers in space, intended to disrupt, jam, or spy on French satellites.
The Central African Republic serves as an example of the intense information war being unleashed by Russia. General Burkhard has reported witnessing the burning of the French flag and the raising of the Russian flag in the capital, Bangui. He believes this is not a mere coincidence but a deliberate act in the ongoing information warfare.
The French government has described the international threats as worsening, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to prepare major announcements on France's defense posture. The evolving geopolitical and security landscape, especially with the uncertainty around the U.S. commitment to European defense, demands enhanced vigilance and independent defense capabilities.
Russia, according to General Burkhard, perceives France as the most prepared country for information warfare in Europe. However, naming France as its main enemy in Europe is seen as advantageous, as it is believed that if France encounters difficulties, a domino effect will occur.
It is important to note that the information war being waged by Russia is not limited to France but extends to other regions, including Africa. The source of this article is Paris, Elena Vasilyeva, and the publication is RIA "Novy Day".
[1] Burkhard, T. (2025). Interview with General Thierry Burkhard. RIA "Novy Day", Paris. [2] French Ministry of Defence. (2025). Statement on the evolving geopolitical and security landscape. Paris. [3] Macron, E. (2025). Speech on France's defense posture. Paris. [4] Putin, V. (2022). Speech on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow.
- The ongoing geopolitical conflict, marked by war-and-conflicts and politics, has placed France in a critical position, with Russia viewing it as a primary adversary, particularly due to France's support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion in 2022.
- In the realm of general-news, Russia is reportedly employing information warfare and hybrid conflict tactics against France, including disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage, with a focus on French infrastructure and satellites.
