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 and not bow to anyone.” Responding to French President Macron’s remarks, Putin used the words, “There are still people who want to return to Napoleon’s era, forgetting how it all ended. Our enemies’ mistakes started with underestimating the character of the Russian people and representatives of its culture.”

During a meeting with employees of the “Homeland Defenders Foundation” in Russia, Putin evaluated the current situation of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Expressing their plans to achieve victory in the war, Putin said, “We truly expect victory. When peace is established, our children will rest peacefully. However, we must go all the way and not bow to anyone.” Continuing, Putin stated, “We must choose a form of peace that will be suitable for us and provide peace in a long-term historical perspective in our country. We do not need anything that belongs to others, but we will not give what belongs to us. We need an option that will ensure stable development in our country’s peace and security conditions.”

Although not explicitly stated, Putin delivered a response to French President Emmanuel Macron. The Russian leader reminded Macron of the 1812 invasion of Russia by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The six-month occupation that ended in Russia’s victory was devastating for France. Putin remarked, “Some still want to return to Napoleon’s era, forgetting how it all ended. In fact, all the mistakes of our enemies, rivals began with underestimating the character of the Russian people and representatives of Russian culture.”

A Russian backlash followed Macron’s words in which he claimed Russia posed a threat to France and Europe. Macron suggested expanding France’s nuclear deterrence to cover all of Europe. Following a phone call with Frederich Merz, expected to be Germany’s new Chancellor, Macron indicated that he would initiate a strategic debate on this matter. Former Russian President Dimitri Medvedev posted a controversial message on social media. Referring to Macron as ‘Micron,’ he mocked the French President. Medvedev wrote, “Micron himself does not pose a major threat. He will disappear forever by May 14, 2027, and will not be missed.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov labeled Macron’s statement as a threat to Russia. Lavrov compared Macron to Napoleon and Hitler, stating, “Macron is not behaving politely like his predecessors; at least they clearly stated, ‘We will conquer Russia, we will defeat Russia.'”