French President, Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday issued a stark warning to Europe, describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as “an ogre at our gates” and urging allies not to place trust in him.
Macron’s comments coincided with preparations for a potential peace summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following rapid discussions on Monday between United States President, Donald Trump and European leaders.
These talks centered on long-term security assurances for Kyiv.
“Putin has rarely kept his promises,” Macron told LCI, adding that the Russian leader has consistently acted as a destabilizing force, attempting to redraw borders to expand his influence.
The French president expressed skepticism over any immediate shift toward peace or democracy in Russia. “He cannot suddenly return to a peaceful, democratic path,” Macron said.
Macron likened Putin to a predator, noting that the Russian leader “needs to keep eating” for his own survival, making him a persistent threat to Europe.
While France does not face an imminent attack, Macron cautioned against complacency. “This is a danger to Europe… we must not be naive,” he warned.
