Macron says Russian drones could target sites in France

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will deploy military personnel, radar systems, and defense systems to protect the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. This move aims to safeguard the area, which is critical for energy transport. Macron stated that the deployment will not involve direct involvement in conflicts, but rather focus on the protection of the site.

He also expressed concern over a potential US ban on diesel exports, which he warned could have catastrophic global and economic consequences. Speaking in a television interview, Macron also mentioned the threat of Russian attacks on French soil and emphasized France's efforts to ensure uninterrupted gas and oil supplies as winter approaches.

Crude oil prices have recently risen due to attacks on the main alternative route for Saudi oil exports via Yanbu by Iran-backed Houthis. Macron denied reports that the US Central Intelligence Agency had informed European governments of the threat of drone attacks from the Mediterranean. However, he confirmed that Russia is increasing hostile and criminal acts against European countries, potentially targeting France similarly to a failed attack in Leipzig.

In response to this growing threat, Macron gathered French party leaders at the Elysee Palace to brief them on the issue and has ordered the government to develop a plan to protect critical infrastructure from drone and cyber attacks. Macron attributed Russia's actions to attempts to intimidate Europe and undermine support for Ukraine, while Russia denies these allegations, calling them baseless and a result of anti-Russian hysteria.

Recently, Macron's stance on Russia was weakened after France granted an exemption from EU sanctions to Russian-Uzbek metals tycoon Alisher Usmanov, citing national security concerns. This decision reportedly led to Azerbaijan pardoning a French national jailed for espionage.