Macron set to raise French defence spend

RUSSIAN THREAT, US DISENGAGEMENT FROM EUROPE CITED AS REASONS

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French President Emmanuel Macron was to set new French defence targets in the face of a menacing Russia and a potential United States disengagement from Europe, his office said.

"Defence efforts" must be made in the face of mounting threats and a disintegrating world order, Elysee officials said, ahead of the president's 7pm speech to the armed forces, traditionally held on the eve of France's Bastille Day holiday.

Despite France's difficult budgetary situation, the president's announcements will be "major", they said.

Russia, a 'durable' threat