French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned European allies against placing trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as “an ogre at our gates” and a persistent threat to European security.
Macron’s warning came amid reports of a potential peace summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following rapid diplomatic consultations on Monday between Donald Trump and European leaders over long-term security guarantees for Kyiv.
Speaking to French broadcaster LCI, Macron accused Putin of consistently undermining international stability.
“Putin has rarely honoured his commitments. He has constantly been a force for destabilisation. He has sought to redraw borders to increase his power,” Macron said.
The French president stressed that he did not expect Russia to “return to peace and a democratic system from one day to the next.” Comparing Putin to a predator, Macron added:
“Putin, including for his own survival, needs to keep eating. That means he is a predator—an ogre at our gates.”
While noting that France was not under immediate threat, Macron warned that Europe must remain vigilant.
“This does not mean France will come under attack tomorrow. But of course, this is a threat to Europe… Let’s not be naive,” he cautioned.
