Kremlin says France’s concern for ‘open war’ with Russia ‘completely unfounded’

The Kremlin said on Thursday that concerns from France regarding a potential “open war” with Russia are “completely unfounded.”

“According to the Kremlin, such fears are completely unfounded,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists during a press briefing regarding statements made by Chief of the French Defense Staff Fabien Mandon earlier in the day.

In remarks at the French National Assembly on Thursday morning, Mandon said an "open war" with Russia "remains my primary concern in terms of preparing the armed forces.”

Peskov said that Russia does not pose a threat to any country that does not plan to become a “center for anti-Russian activity” or which somehow plans to undermine his country’s security.

He further said that Russia seeks “good, mutually beneficial” relations with all countries, including European nations, which he said “continue to completely refuse any contact.”

The spokesman also confirmed that contacts are being prepared between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. “We are preparing for negotiations. We will make the appropriate announcement in due course.”

He added that Putin has yet to make a decision on a potential truce with Ukraine during Easter, which will be celebrated on Sunday.

On March 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed during a conversation with journalists that his country is ready for an Easter ceasefire.

A day later, he said Kyiv has proposed a temporary truce during Easter and that they hope the US will support this proposal.

In response, Peskov said Moscow did not see a "clearly formulated initiative" for an Easter ceasefire, and claimed Zelenskyy sought to achieve "any" ceasefire due to Russian advances along the front line in Ukraine.

Defending against 'piracy'

Peskov also commented on reports that a Russian frigate escorted tankers through the English Channel, saying Moscow has witnessed "multiple instances of piracy in international waters in recent months."

"These cases of piracy also damaged the economic interests of the Russian Federation. The Russian Federation believes it has the right and will certainly take measures to protect its interests," Peskov added.

On Wednesday, British newspaper The Telegraph reported that a Russian Black Sea Fleet frigate accompanied a pair of UK-sanctioned tankers through the English Channel.

In late March, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the military to board UK-sanctioned oil tankers in British waters.

"It follows the Royal Navy supporting allies with the monitoring and tracking of several shadow fleet ships to enable interdiction in European and Mediterranean waters in recent weeks," said a corresponding press release.