Macron warns against possible Russian mobilization and announces sending troops to Saudi Arabia
Quick Look
French President Emmanuel Macron, in an interview for TF1 and France 2, stated that attacks similar to those in Leipzig may occur in France, and warned against a possible Russian mobilization of 300,000 people. soldiers and announced the sending of French soldiers and defense systems to Saudi Arabia to protect the city of Yanbu on the Red Sea, while emphasizing the stable situation with gas supplies in France.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The interview took place in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and the rising cost of living in France. Macron referred to the recent events in Leipzig, Germany, where the attacks occurred, as well as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and US plans to limit diesel exports.
The French president gave an interview to TF1 and France 2 television on Thursday evening. When asked whether it was possible for what happened in Leipzig to happen in France, he replied that the answer was yes.
Today there were no attacks of the type in France that occurred in Leipzig, Macron said.
He also appealed to be aware that the threat is changing. He emphasized that "hostile, sometimes criminal acts" by Russia against European countries are repeated.
He also argued that numerous signals "show that Russia is in the process of organizing for a new mobilization." According to him, a new mobilization of 300,000. people is a scenario that seems likely.
Macron mentioned Russian losses in the war against Ukraine. He assessed that the Kremlin is currently sending a signal that it is "ready to make further sacrifices to take over the entire Donbas."
He expressed confidence that Moscow now sees Europe as Ukraine's "strategic depth" because European countries support Kiev.
France will send soldiers to Saudi Arabia
In the interview, Macron also talked about the situation on the energy market related to the conflict in the Middle East.
He announced that France would send soldiers and defense systems to Saudi Arabia to help protect Yanbu on the Red Sea. The city plays an important role in the transportation of oil.
We will send military assets, that is, soldiers, radar systems and defense systems, to protect the Yanbu facility on the Red Sea, he said.
Yanbu is a port city with an industrial zone and refineries.
Macron explained that the decision on this matter was made jointly with the Saudi Arabian authorities. He stated that French soldiers would not be expected to take part in the fighting and that there was no intention of involving France in any conflict.
Gas stocks and fuel prices
The French president spoke in a reassuring tone about the country's gas supplies. He said that in the coming weeks their occupancy level will be 80%.
He also commented on reports about the US administration's plans to introduce a ban on the export of diesel oil.
He expressed his belief that such a decision would be "bad" not only "for the rest of the world" but also for the American economy.
Macron admitted that in the context of rising living costs in France, "it is normal that there is anger in the country." However, he pointed to a broader context: the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
France will send soldiers and defense systems to Saudi Arabia to protect Yanbu on the Red Sea.
Very likely · Within days
Russia may carry out a new military mobilization of approximately 300,000 people. soldiers.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What exactly will France send to Saudi Arabia?
- Does the decision to send troops require the approval of the French Parliament?
- What are the specific indications that Russia is preparing for a new mobilization of 300,000 people? soldiers?
