19 September 2026 the leader of the French right-wing party “National Rally” Marine Le Pen sharply criticized the Kremlin. Her statement on air on RTL came after an order by the Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to seize the assets of European companies that continue to operate in Russia, in particular Nestlé and Auchan.
This was reported by rbc.ua.
Le Pen stressed that Russia will not be able, directly or indirectly, to dictate France‘s policy through intimidation, threats, destabilization, or psychological pressure. In her words, Moscow’s provocations will not force Paris to change its position either.
“No provocation, no covert operation and no destabilizing actions can force France to help Russia achieve its military objectives in Ukraine,” said Marine Le Pen.
She called Putin‘s decision a hostile act that directly undermines the rights and interests of French companies. Previously, Le Pen was known for a pro-Russian stance, and her attitude toward the aggressor state was significantly more favorable than that of most politicians in France.
The statement also came after President Emmanuel Macron instructed the French government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure from Russian hybrid attacks. Le Pen said she supports this step given the current situation.
Earlier we wrote:
- Tariffs up to 500% and a “shadow fleet”: Trump signed the sanctions law
- Amid a new U.S. sanctions package: Putin “nationalized” Auchan, Nestlé and Leroy Merlin in Russia
- “Hellish sanctions” by the U.S. will complicate the search for peace – Peskov
- Ukraine is ready for an energy truce, but is waiting for Russia to provide lists of facilities
- No strikes on energy: Trump announced an agreement, Zelensky awaits guarantees
