French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its strike group have arrived in waters near Cyprus. He made the announcement on social media platform X during a visit to Cyprus at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Macron stated that France took immediate action in solidarity with Cyprus following attacks by drones and missiles. He added that the frigate Languedoc and a Mistral air defense unit have been deployed to the area. "We did not want this war, but we have the responsibility to do everything possible to protect our fellow citizens, protect our economies, and avoid an escalation in the region, in Lebanon and in the Middle East," Macron wrote. "Together with the President of Cyprus and the Prime Minister of Greece, we are working for security in Cyprus and in the Eastern Mediterranean," he emphasized. The president also warned that the de facto closure of sea routes has an impact on the global economy. "We are taking measures to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the security of these vital waterways, in particular through the EU's maritime operation, Aspides," he concluded.
