Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for peace to ensure the stable development of his country’s security conditions, stating, “We must go all the way, not bow to anyone.” Responding to French President Macron’s remarks, Putin stated, “There are still people who want to return to the times of Napoleon, forgetting how it ended. Our enemies began by underestimating the character and representatives of Russian culture.”

At a meeting with employees of the “Homeland Defenders Foundation” in Russia, Putin evaluated the current situation of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Expressing their intention to achieve victory in the war, Putin said, “We are truly awaiting victory. When peace is established, our children will sleep peacefully. However, we must go all the way, not bow to anyone.” Putin continued, stating, “We must choose a peace format that is suitable for us, one that will ensure peace in the long-term historical perspective of our country. We do not need anything that belongs to others, but we will not give up what is ours. We need an option that will ensure the stable development of peace and security conditions in our country.”

While not explicitly stated, Putin’s response was directed at French President Emmanuel Macron. Putin reminded of Napoleon Bonaparte’s invasion of Russia in 1812, which ended in a victory for Russia and was devastating for France. Putin said, “There are still people who want to return to the times of Napoleon, forgetting how it ended. In fact, all the mistakes of our enemies, our rivals, started by underestimating the character of the Russian people, the representatives of Russian culture.”

RUSSIA HITS BACK AT MACRON’S REMARKS

Macron claimed that Russia poses a threat to France and Europe. He proposed expanding France’s nuclear deterrence to cover all of Europe. After a phone call with Friedrich Merz, expected to be the new Chancellor of Germany, Macron stated that he would initiate a strategic discussion on this matter. A controversial message appeared on social media from Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, mocking Macron, misspelled his name as “Micron.” He wrote, “Micron himself is not a big threat. He will disappear forever, not missed, by May 14, 2027 at the latest.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Macron’s statement was a threat to Russia. Lavrov compared Macron to Napoleon and Hitler, saying, “Macron does not behave politely like his predecessors, who at least clearly stated ‘We will conquer Russia, we will defeat Russia.'”