The Russian government has strongly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron after he described Vladimir Putin as a “predator” and an “ogre” in a recent interview.
Speaking to French broadcaster LCI last week, Macron urged European leaders not to place their trust in the Vladimir Putin. “For his own survival, (he) needs to keep eating … That means he is a predator, an ogre at our gates,” Macron said.
The remarks came shortly after a high-profile meeting in Washington between Macron, U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European allies.
Russia’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned Macron’s words. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, addressing a televised briefing, stated: “They cross the line of not just reasonableness, but decency, becoming vulgar insults against Russia and its people.”
Moscow has repeatedly criticised France’s unwavering support for Ukraine, accusing Paris of escalating the conflict. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, France has emerged as one of Kyiv’s most consistent allies, providing both military assistance and financial aid.
