Macron assures Baltic and Nordic nations of France's support against Russian provocations

French President Emmanuel Macron has conveyed Paris's unwavering support and "constant commitment" to the Baltic and Nordic countries, denouncing Russia's persistent provocations. Macron asserted that Russia's actions are driven by its "failure" in the Ukraine conflict and its "vain" territorial and strategic aspirations.

"We will face it, together," Macron declared in a message on X following a videoconference with the leaders of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. He suggested that Russia's provocations against its neighbors are an attempt to break free from the stalemate in its invasion of Ukraine.

Macron highlighted France's tangible contributions to regional security, including its military presence in Estonia and Romania. He also noted France's participation in NATO's air policing mission in the Baltic states and its various bilateral agreements and alliances with the region's nations. "This is also reflected in our constant support for Ukraine in all areas, so that it can resist, move forward, and negotiate from a position of strength, with the backing of Europeans," he added.

The virtual meeting occurred shortly after two French Rafale fighter jets, operating from a base in Lithuania, intercepted and downed a drone in Latvian airspace. NATO confirmed the incident but provided no details regarding the drone's origin. The French aircraft were part of the Alliance's Baltic air policing mission, established after an unprecedented number of Russian drones and aircraft violated allied airspace last September.