As tensions escalate over the future of Ukraine's defence, Russian officials have slammed French President Emmanuel Macron’s stark warnings about Moscow’s threat to Europe.
Russia has responded with scorn to French President Emmanuel Macron’s televised speech, in which he warned that Russia poses a direct threat to France and Europe.
Senior Russian figures – including lawmakers and former leaders – dismissed Macron’s statements as exaggerated fearmongering and accused him of fuelling unnecessary tensions.
Konstantin Kosachev, a senior Russian senator, claimed Macron had fundamentally misinterpreted Russia’s actions, arguing that Moscow was merely reacting to NATO expansion rather than pursuing aggression.
"Such an erroneous analysis leads to fatal errors," he stated, insisting that the French president was misleading his own citizens and allies.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev – never one to shy away from caustic remarks – mockingly referred to Macron as "Micron" and predicted his political downfall by 2027.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, ridiculed Macron’s assertion that France has the most effective military in Europe, suggesting that he might want to put that claim to the test.
Meanwhile, Kremlin-aligned commentators accused the French leader of distorting reality, with former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov claiming Macron was engaging in slander and military propaganda against Russia.
Macron sounds alarm on US-Russia shift, urges Europe to stand firm
Ukraine war is a 'global conflict'
Macron’s speech, delivered in a national address on Wednesday evening, framed Russia as a clear and present danger to Europe.
He described the war in Ukraine as a global conflict and even floated the idea of extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies – an idea that has sparked considerable debate.
Macron directly stated: "Russia has already turned the Ukrainian conflict into a global conflict. It has mobilised North Korean soldiers and Iranian equipment on our continent, while helping these countries to further arm themselves.
"President Putin's Russia violates our borders to assassinate opponents and manipulates elections in Romania and Moldova. It is organising digital attacks on our hospitals to stop them operating. Russia is trying to manipulate our opinions with lies spread on social networks".
His remarks come at a time when European support for Ukraine is facing growing uncertainty.
US President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in Washington’s stance, advocating for a peace deal that some European leaders fear could weaken Ukraine’s position.
Meanwhile, divisions within the European Union over military aid and financial commitments have further complicated the situation.
EU summit aims for united front on Ukraine as US support wavers
EU summit on Ukraine's defence
As European leaders gather in Brussels for a summit on supporting Ukraine, they are confronted with the challenge of maintaining a united front.
With Russian forces advancing on the battlefield and Western backing wavering, the EU’s discussions are centered on reinforcing Ukraine’s defences and ensuring that Europe does not falter in its commitments.
While President Vladimir Putin continues to dismiss NATO’s concerns, Ukraine and its allies argue that Russia’s actions amount to an imperial land grab.
Moscow currently controls nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and large portions of the east and south.
