On March 9, 2025, during the political talk show "Questions politiques," Manon Aubry, a Member of the European Parliament from La France Insoumise (LFI), stated emphatically, "Russia is not a direct military threat at the gates of France." This remark came as the EU faces growing concerns over Russian military actions impacting its neighboring countries. Aubry's statement echoes comments made by fellow LFI deputy Alma Dufour the day prior, stressing the need for perspective amid fears of escalation.
Aubry reacted to French President Emmanuel Macron's recent address, where he warned of uncertainties surrounding France's prosperity and security. She cautioned against exacerbation of public fears, insisting, "We must remain level-headed and not ignite panic" but acknowledged the necessity for preparedness should tensions escalate between Russia and Europe.
While recognizing the immediate threat Russia poses to Ukraine and broader democratic principles, Aubry criticized Macron's preparations for what she describes as a war economy. She questioned the economic ramifications of such preparations, asking pointedly, "Where will he find the money? From hospitals? From schools?" Her remarks highlight her concern over budget allocation during the growing military tensions.
On the same day, France's Defense Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, announced plans to commit an additional €195 million from the interest generated by frozen Russian assets, aimed at supplying Ukraine with military aid, including shells and glide bombs. This funding is part of the larger sum of €209 billion of Russian assets currently frozen across Europe.
Aubry, providing insight on the use of these funds, indicated her position: "I believe confiscation of Russian assets is deemed as an act of war. We’d be entering wartime hostilities with Russia if we did so," pointing to potential retaliatory measures from the Kremlin under international law, as well as the risk of having to repay any funds spent to aid Ukraine.
The situation is made more complex by what Aubry described as the shifting stance of the United States, which has recently suspended military support for Ukraine pending reevaluation of their involvement. Against this backdrop, she called for France and Europe to disentangle themselves from NATO influence to secure greater independence over their own defense policies. "We need to regain our autonomy, and currently, the defense project being proposed does not reflect this," she declared.
To counter what she termed the "imperialist project" of Russian President Vladimir Putin—who has faced setbacks trying to dominate Ukraine and the Baltic states—Aubry advocates for dialogue. She believes the current moment is ripe for developing diplomatic resolutions. According to her, the President has been slow to embrace negotiations, especially as Ukraine finds itself on fragile ground militarily.
She emphasizes the importance of involving both Ukraine and Russia directly, alongside the European Union, to facilitate discussions of peace, even listing the potential deployment of United Nations peacekeepers as part of this process. Aubry expressed disappointment over the EU's relatively quiet role amid such turmoil, lamenting its lack of initiative compared to what might have been hoped for from such institutions.
Even with Macron hosting summits on the topic, Aubry noted, "These gatherings concluded with little to show for it." The need for cohesive diplomatic efforts is ever more urgent as the EU struggles to align its voices and strategies. "A common defense relies on shared policymaking, which we clearly lack, as demonstrated by our discrepancies on the Ukrainian front and beyond," she argued.
Further illustrating her frustrations, Aubry cautioned against sidelining the Parliament as influential decisions continue to be made, "If the Commission continues to override our input, it might as well toss the European Parliament aside entirely." This reflects her concerns about how decisions affecting the continent are being managed, highlighting the potential risks of diminished legislative power.
Aubry's comments reflect the balancing act faced by European leaders: responding effectively to military threats from Russia without compromising domestic priorities or sacrificing the long-term stability within the region. With heightened geopolitical tension, the stakes are undeniably high for all parties involved.
From this perspective, Aubry's insistence on diplomacy, caution against wartime measures, and financial stewardship resonates as key pillars for contemporary European strategy as it seeks to address the looming shadows cast by conflicts at its borders. Her remarks challenge French and European leaders to maintain their focus on the broader picture, emphasizing stability and peace over panic and defense escalation.