Macron urges caution in current confrontation with Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the European Union to proceed with caution in its current confrontation with Russia.

“I think we all have to be very cautious because we are in a time of confrontation with a lot of hybridity,” Macron said on the sidelines of an informal EU summit in Copenhagen when asked by a journalist whether we were heading towards a world war.

“This is why we have to be strong to deter any aggressions, but we have to remain very cautious and avoid any escalation,” he added.

Hybrid warfare involves the use of conventional methods, such as tanks and missiles as well as nonconventional ones, such as cyberattacks and internet disinformation.

Russia has been “a very aggressive player” for several years, the French head of state also said. This can be seen in cyberattacks during elections, its war against Ukraine, the use of nuclear threats and now provocations in airspace.

All of this is a “hybrid whole” and is in the realm of confrontation, Macron added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also warned against overreacting.

“Despite everything, I think we have to think calmly. I think we shouldn’t respond to provocations. We have to equip ourselves, that certainly is true.”

In light of the recent airspace violations by Russian fighter jets and kamikaze drones, the heads of state and prime ministers of the EU countries are meeting in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss joint efforts for better deterrence and defence.