Le Pen slams Russia following Putin's controversial move
Marine Le Pen (photo: Getty Images)
Russia will never dictate to France what to do and cannot intimidate Paris with its provocations, according to a statement by French right-wing National Rally leader Marine Le Pen.
Until recently, Le Pen was known for her pro-Russian stance. Her attitude toward Russia had previously been far more favorable than that of most French politicians.
However, on September 19, she sharply criticized the Kremlin after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the seizure of assets belonging to European companies that still operate in Russia, including Nestlé and Auchan.
Le Pen condemned Moscow's actions and said Russia should not expect to be able to dictate France's policy, directly or indirectly, through intimidation, threats, destabilization or psychological pressure.
"No provocation, no covert operation and no destabilizing actions will be able to force France to help Russia achieve its military objectives in Ukraine," the politician stressed.
Moreover, she called Putin's new decision a hostile act that directly undermines French companies' interests and rights.
Le Pen's statement also came after French President Emmanuel Macron ordered the government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure from Russian hybrid attacks.
According to the politician, she supports the move given the current situation.
As previously reported, Le Pen opposed further French financial assistance to Ukraine.
She also commented on a proposal by some politicians to send French Rafale fighter jets to protect Ukrainian airspace.
