Macron: “Putin is an ogre at our doorstep”, Russia constant threat to Europe

He made this remark in an interview with the LCI channel, quoted by Le Figaro.

Macron pointed out that since 2007–2008, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has rarely kept his promises and has constantly sought to change borders to strengthen his own power.

According to Macron, Russia now spends about 40% of its budget on armaments and has built an army of over 1.3 million troops. The French leader stressed that this shows Moscow is not ready to return to peace or embrace an open democratic system.

Macron urged Europeans to abandon any naivety toward the Kremlin, describing Putin as a predator.

“He is an ogre at our doorstep who must keep feeding for his own survival,” he said.

At the same time, the French president clarified that this does not mean there is an immediate threat of an attack on his country. However, he stressed that Russia’s policies create a constant risk for all of Europe.

• On August 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House, where he was welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders first held a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office and then met with European leaders and NATO Secretary General, continuing discussions in a broader format.