ISTANBUL

France’s Chief of the Defense Staff Thierry Burkhard warned on Friday of a mounting hybrid war waged by Russia against France and emphasized the urgent need for European nations to boost their defense capabilities.

Burkhard said he does not fear a complete withdrawal of US forces from Europe, noting: "It is not in their interest," the French broadcaster BFMTV reported.

However, he stressed that "the need for Europeans to increase their defense capabilities is essential."

Burkhard identified Russia as a long-term and multifaceted threat, saying: "Russia is a stakeholder in all threats. It constitutes a lasting, close, and the most significant threat."

He described Moscow as "a true conventional and nuclear power," with "a complete army model down to the tips of its nails."

He highlighted growing concerns over Russian activities across various domains, pointing to the “worrying” threat posed by Russian submarines and signs of increased militarization in space, including the deployment of specialized satellites.

Burkhard also underscored the scale and impact of Russia’s information warfare, particularly in Africa, where he said Moscow is targeting French interests.

"They are targeting the countries where we are," he lamented, describing this as part of a broader hybrid campaign.

He referred to operations involving "proxies in France via disposable agents," citing examples such as the "Moldovans arrested in the Star of David affair," staged "coffins in front of the Eiffel Tower," and fabricated narratives about "bedbugs during the Olympic Games."

"It’s something that saturates the space, and we can’t deny a certain effectiveness," he admitted.

Burkhard claimed that Russia sees France as a primary adversary in Europe.

“The Kremlin has made France one of its priority targets,” he stated.

He also warned that France is increasingly a target of foreign surveillance and disinformation.

“We are being spied on,” he said, adding that the country is exposed to the effects of strategic competition, particularly in the economic and technological spheres.

He cited a recent Chinese-led campaign aimed at “discrediting our arms industry, particularly the Rafale.”

Turning to the Middle East, Burkhard noted that the region has experienced a strategic disruption of the balance since Oct. 7, 2023 with an outbreak of violence.

He added: “It is difficult to see ways out of the crisis.”