Macron's Cyprus Visit: Reactions in England

Emmanuel Macron's visit to Cyprus, aimed at strengthening the French military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, has sparked reactions in England. The Daily Mail described the embrace of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides with his French counterpart as 'the hug that shamed Starmer'.

The report states that Macron's visit took place while the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is moving towards the Eastern Mediterranean to assist in the defense of Cyprus, following a request from Nikos Christodoulides. At the same time, the British destroyer HMS Dragon remains in Portsmouth.

Macron stated that 'an attack on Cyprus is an attack on all of Europe,' while announcing the dispatch of French warships to the Red Sea. According to the Daily Mail, Keir Starmer paid a visit to London, discussing the cost of living.

Cyprus became the target of Iranian-made drones, leading Macron to order the dispatch of the Charles de Gaulle. France also sent a frigate and anti-aircraft defense units to the island. Cypriot officials stated that the visit will allow for the assessment of coordination between Cyprus, Greece, and France.

The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is reportedly embarrassed as other European countries sent ships to Cyprus before the HMS Dragon. Spain and the Netherlands confirmed their assistance in protecting Cyprus.

According to a report in The Times, the Iranian drone that struck the RAF base in Akrotiri was equipped with Russian military components.