The threat of Russian aggression in Europe is "not theoretical", French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Tuesday after US President Donald Trump's envoy dismissed fears Moscow could seek to occupy more territory.
France's top diplomat described Russian aggression as "very factual" and something "many countries in Europe have already experienced."
"Its aggressivity over the past three years has extended way beyond Ukraine itself," Barrot told journalists in Singapore. He accused Moscow of "information manipulation" as well as "acts of sabotage and other attempts to destabilise European countries."
Barrot's remarks come after US envoy Steve Witkoff said Sunday he trusts Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not want to occupy more of Ukraine, or push into other parts of Europe.
"I just don't see that he wants to take all of Europe," Witkoff told Fox News, describing such worries as "academic."
The US has made a stunning about-face on Russia since Trump took power. Under former president Joe Biden, Washington treated Moscow as the aggressor and led a Western coalition to put pressure on the Kremlin. Witkoff said the main US role now was to understand both sides and mediate.
Speaking in Singapore, France's foreign minister said "we need to deter any threat" in order to achieve peace. Paris is due to host leaders of the coalition backing Ukraine this week.
Barrot will continue his regional tour, travelling to Indonesia on Wednesday, while Chinese officials said the minister will visit Beijing and economic powerhouse Shanghai on Thursday and Friday.