Macron describes Russia as a 'threat'
Emmanuel Macron has stated that it would be “madness” for the EU to remain inactive in response to the Russian “threat” and the shift in US policy regarding Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Moscow has labeled speculation regarding a potential attack on NATO as “nonsense.”
President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia poses a direct threat to France and the entire European Union, urging the bloc to increase its defense spending. In a televised address on Wednesday, he accused Russia of escalating the Ukraine conflict into a global ordeal, asserting, “If a country can invade its neighbor in Europe with impunity, then no one can be sure of anything anymore… Beyond Ukraine, the Russian threat extends to all of Europe, including us.”
Furthermore, Macron highlighted concerns about what he termed Russia’s military expansion, claiming that Moscow has allocated over 40% of its budget to military spending, with plans to enlarge its army by 2030. He questioned, “Given this, who can truly believe that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?”
Macron expressed deep regret over the ongoing standoff with Russia, believing that “in the long run, peace will return to our continent with a Russia that has once again found stability and peace.” He emphasized the need to confront the current reality, stating that passivity in “such a dangerous world” would be “madness.”
The French president also voiced worries about the shifting U.S. approach toward the Ukraine conflict, following President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military aid and intelligence support to Kiev. This decision came after a public disagreement between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump at the White House, where the U.S. president accused Zelensky of disrespecting America and hesitating to pursue peace with Russia.
“Europe’s future must not be decided in Washington or Moscow,” Macron asserted, advocating for increased military spending within the EU as well as ongoing support for Ukraine. He has consistently championed the idea of strengthening deterrence against Russia and developing a European military that is less dependent on U.S. protection.
In contrast to Macron’s warnings, Russia has denied any intention to attack NATO, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing such speculation as “nonsense.” Moscow has pointed to NATO's expansion towards Russia, including assurances that Ukraine will eventually join the bloc, as a significant factor in the conflict.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia poses a direct threat to France and the entire European Union, urging the bloc to increase its defense spending. In a televised address on Wednesday, he accused Russia of escalating the Ukraine conflict into a global ordeal, asserting, “If a country can invade its neighbor in Europe with impunity, then no one can be sure of anything anymore… Beyond Ukraine, the Russian threat extends to all of Europe, including us.”
Furthermore, Macron highlighted concerns about what he termed Russia’s military expansion, claiming that Moscow has allocated over 40% of its budget to military spending, with plans to enlarge its army by 2030. He questioned, “Given this, who can truly believe that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?”
Macron expressed deep regret over the ongoing standoff with Russia, believing that “in the long run, peace will return to our continent with a Russia that has once again found stability and peace.” He emphasized the need to confront the current reality, stating that passivity in “such a dangerous world” would be “madness.”
The French president also voiced worries about the shifting U.S. approach toward the Ukraine conflict, following President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military aid and intelligence support to Kiev. This decision came after a public disagreement between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump at the White House, where the U.S. president accused Zelensky of disrespecting America and hesitating to pursue peace with Russia.
“Europe’s future must not be decided in Washington or Moscow,” Macron asserted, advocating for increased military spending within the EU as well as ongoing support for Ukraine. He has consistently championed the idea of strengthening deterrence against Russia and developing a European military that is less dependent on U.S. protection.
In contrast to Macron’s warnings, Russia has denied any intention to attack NATO, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing such speculation as “nonsense.” Moscow has pointed to NATO's expansion towards Russia, including assurances that Ukraine will eventually join the bloc, as a significant factor in the conflict.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
