Macron Condemns Russian Statements as "Threatening"

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned "threatening" statements made by Russia on Thursday following a phone call on Wednesday between French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He pointed to "manipulation of information" in a report later issued by Moscow regarding the substance of the call. Russia suggested that French intelligence agencies might be involved in an attack on Moscow, while Macron clarified that the purpose of the call initiated by France was specifically to convey "useful information" to Russia about the attack. For the first time since October 2024, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu spoke by phone with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu after an attack on Moscow claimed by ISIS, according to a statement from his ministry.