Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday replied to recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, reminding him of Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Russia that failed in 1812. His remarks came after Macron labeled Russia as a threat to France and Europe.
During a meeting with members of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation in Moscow, Putin made a historical reference, stating, “There was a talk about Smolensk and the museum from the time of Napoleon’s invasion. Some still long to return to those days, forgetting how it ended."
According to Anadolu Agency, Putin reiterated that France had already not been able to conquer Russia and would not be able to do so in the future either, citing the strength of Russian soldiers. Speaking to the mother of a Russian soldier who is serving in Ukraine, he stated, "With young men like your son, his friends, and comrades, conquering Russia is impossible."
Macron's comments, which had been widely perceived as inflammatory, were made in a live speech on Wednesday. He characterized Russia as a "threat to France and Europe" and indicated that Paris would consider having negotiations with other European nations about expanding its nuclear protection to them. He also hinted at sending European forces to Ukraine—something Russia is fervently against.
Russia is attempting to influence our thoughts through false information disseminated on social media. And secretly, it is probing our boundaries. It does so in the skies, on the seas, in space, and in front of our screens," Macron said. "Who can believe, under these circumstances, that Russia will be satisfied with Ukraine? Russia has emerged, while I am speaking to you and for many years to come, as a threat to France and to Europe."
Macron also called upon Europe to enhance its defense and border security, affirming, "I have decided to open the strategic debate on the protection of our allies on the European continent through our (nuclear) deterrence." While Poland and the Baltic states embraced his proposal about France's nuclear shield, other European leaders received it warily.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denounced Macron's speech as "extremely confrontational" and blamed France for seeking the war in Ukraine to continue. He also claimed that Macron had neglected Russia's "legitimate concerns and fears" about NATO expansion towards its borders.
Even further was Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, calling Macron's address a "threat" to Russia. He contrasted him with past leaders who wanted to defeat Russia, and said, "Unlike their ancestors, who also wanted to struggle against Russia—Napoleon, Hitler—Macron doesn't behave too elegantly, because at least they spoke simply: 'We must conquer Russia, we must defeat Russia.'"
At the same time, Russian lawmakers and government officials accused Macron of going too far with rhetoric that can bring the world to the brink of a perilous tipping point. Political cartoons in Russia depicted him as Napoleon Bonaparte, riding toward defeat in 1812. Macron was taunted by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who wrote, "Micron himself isn't any big threat though. He'll vanish forever no later than May 14, 2027. And he won't be missed."
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