France Accused by Moscow of Leading Western ‘Hybrid War’ Efforts Amid Fresh EU Sanctions

 As the European Union ratified its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, the Kremlin accused France of playing a leading role in what it calls a Western “hybrid war” against Moscow. The sharp rebuke came from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during a press briefing on Thursday, where she denounced France’s intensifying military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.

Zakharova claimed that France has positioned itself at the forefront of anti-Russian efforts in Europe, surpassing its traditional partners in the scope and severity of its actions. “Since 2022, Paris has remained one of the most uncompromising participants in the West’s hybrid war against our country,” she stated. “Over the past few months, the French have effectively become the leaders of the West’s ‘party of war’.”

This escalation, Zakharova asserted, includes France’s pivotal role in shaping punitive economic measures against Russia, as well as its involvement in direct military support to Ukraine. Earlier this year, France delivered the first consignment of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Kyiv, bolstering Ukraine’s air capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.

The diplomatic rift widened further in February 2025, when France and the United Kingdom spearheaded a so-called “Coalition of the Willing”—a framework intended to deepen European security and military cooperation in Ukraine—following a shift in Washington’s stance. Under U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration, Washington has shown an inclination toward de-escalation and negotiated settlement.

Zakharova condemned the newly announced sanctions as part of a broader “trade war,” accusing the EU and Paris in particular of attempting to stifle Russia’s economic and technological progress. “France has played a major role in devising illegitimate sanctions packages in the past. Now, it is attempting to blackmail us with new, supposedly broader sanctions,” she said.

She further warned that Moscow would formulate a “measured response” to any additional restrictions, characterizing the EU’s moves as detrimental to international stability.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has maintained a firm posture, warning that the EU would proceed with further sanctions “in the coming days” unless Russia agrees to Ukraine’s call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Paris has publicly supported Ukraine’s negotiating position, which includes demands for the full withdrawal of Russian forces from territories claimed by Kyiv.

The Kremlin, however, has rejected these terms. President Vladimir Putin reiterated this week that a lasting ceasefire would only be possible if Ukraine suspends its military mobilization, ceases foreign arms intake, and withdraws from regions that Moscow considers under its sovereignty.

As tensions remain high and diplomatic avenues narrow, the geopolitical confrontation between Paris and Moscow appears to be entering a more openly adversarial phase—one with far-reaching consequences for the European security landscape and the ongoing war in Ukraine.