Macron warns Europe: "Russia’s aggression knows no borders"

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning about Russia’s growing aggression, stating that it poses a direct threat to Europe and could extend beyond Ukraine. His remarks come as European Union leaders prepare for emergency talks in Brussels, particularly in light of shifting transatlantic relations under the Trump administration, Al Jazeera reported.

"Who can believe that this Russia of today will stop at Ukraine?" Macron asked in a televised address on Wednesday night.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Macron emphasized the need for Europe to stand united, warning that the era of the "peace dividend" is over. "Our generation will no longer receive the peace dividend. It is up to us to ensure that our children reap the dividends of our commitments tomorrow. So we will face it, together," he posted.

A Call for European Readiness

Macron stressed that while he hopes the U.S. remains a steadfast ally, Europe must be prepared to defend itself independently if necessary. "I want to believe the US will stay by our side," he said. "But we have to be ready if that isn't the case."

He also asserted that Europe’s future should not be dictated by external powers. "The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow," he declared.

As part of France’s response, Macron announced plans to convene a meeting of European military chiefs next week to discuss sending troops to Ukraine in the aftermath of any peace deal. Additionally, he revealed plans to explore extending France’s nuclear deterrence to other European nations—though ultimate control would remain with the French presidency.

"France will follow only one course: that of the will for peace and freedom, faithful to its history and its principles. The homeland needs you and your commitment," he stated in another post on X.

Kremlin Responds: "Extremely Confrontational"

Reacting to Macron’s speech, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized it as "extremely confrontational" and accused France of prioritizing war over diplomacy. "One can conclude that France thinks more about war, about continuing the war," Peskov said.

He also pointed out that Macron made no mention of NATO's expansion towards Russia’s borders—an issue that Moscow has long cited as a security concern.

The Kremlin reiterated that the ongoing conflict is effectively a "proxy war between nuclear powers"—with the U.S. supporting Ukraine against Russia—and stressed the need for a resolution, Al Jazeera reported.