PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he had no doubt that Russia would maliciously target this summer's Paris Olympics, comments that underlined the difficult geopolitical context of the Games. . In response to a reporter's question about whether he believed Russia was trying to target the Olympics, he said: “I have no doubts, including information.”
Moscow has not yet commented.
Macron's comments represent the clearest acknowledgment yet of foreign threats to security and the smooth running of the Games.
The globally anticipated event takes place amid a complex global climate, with Russia's war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip complicating efforts to save the Olympics.
A close aide to Macron, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to say whether the president had mentioned any specific intelligence that suggested future Russian interference plans. Instead, she said, “Russia's attitude is hardening and we have been seeing it for several months.” President Macron has recently taken a tougher stance on Russia, making it clear that Moscow must be defeated and that France has no intention of inciting hostilities against Russia. , does not rule out the possibility that European troops will someday go to Ukraine.
Relations between Russia and the International Olympic Committee are also deteriorating in the run-up to the Paris Olympics. At the Paris Olympics, Russian athletes will participate as neutrals without carrying a national flag or anthem, and will be excluded from the opening parade.
Moscow has not yet commented.
Macron's comments represent the clearest acknowledgment yet of foreign threats to security and the smooth running of the Games.
The globally anticipated event takes place amid a complex global climate, with Russia's war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip complicating efforts to save the Olympics.
A close aide to Macron, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to say whether the president had mentioned any specific intelligence that suggested future Russian interference plans. Instead, she said, “Russia's attitude is hardening and we have been seeing it for several months.” President Macron has recently taken a tougher stance on Russia, making it clear that Moscow must be defeated and that France has no intention of inciting hostilities against Russia. , does not rule out the possibility that European troops will someday go to Ukraine.
Relations between Russia and the International Olympic Committee are also deteriorating in the run-up to the Paris Olympics. At the Paris Olympics, Russian athletes will participate as neutrals without carrying a national flag or anthem, and will be excluded from the opening parade.
