Marine Le Pen has publicly moved to distance herself from Russia after the Kremlin placed the Russian operations of several European firms, including Auchan, under forced administration. In a joint letter with Jordan Bardella, she condemned recent hostile incidents in Europe — notably a drone found at Leipzig Airport allegedly targeting a Ukrainian aircraft — and insisted French foreign policy must be made in Paris. Le Pen acknowledged debate over France's diplomatic orientation and support for Ukraine but said external pressure is unacceptable. Polls show her leading ahead of next spring's presidential election.
Le Pen Distances Herself From Russia After Kremlin Places European Firms Under Forced Administration
Marine le Pen on the main stage at the REF at Roland Garros. (is associated with: «France's right-wing Le Pen distances herself from Russia») Julien Mattia/Le Pictorium via ZUMA Press/dpa
Marine Le Pen, France's leading right-wing nationalist, has adopted a firmer tone toward Moscow after the Kremlin moved to place the Russian operations of several European companies, including French department store chain Auchan, under forced administration.
In a joint letter released on Saturday with Jordan Bardella, leader of her National Rally party, Le Pen condemned a series of recent incidents in Europe — including the discovery at Leipzig Airport of a drone loaded with explosives that was reportedly aimed at a Ukrainian transport aircraft.
"We will never tolerate a foreign power, in this case Russia, being able to hope to dictate our country's policy directly or indirectly through intimidation, threats, destabilization or psychological pressure," Le Pen and Bardella wrote.
Le Pen emphasized that French foreign policy must be decided in Paris, not Moscow, and said that debate over France's diplomatic orientation and the level and conditions of support for Ukraine is legitimate — but must not be shaped by external pressure or coercion.
Context and Political Stakes
The letter was prompted by Moscow's recent decision to place the Russian units of several European firms under forced administration — a move Paris and other European capitals view as politically charged. Le Pen and Bardella also warned of an uptick in what they described as "hostile acts in Europe," which they said appear to be carried out by agents acting on Russia's behalf.
Le Pen has long faced criticism for not clearly breaking with the Kremlin, including scrutiny over a 2014 loan she received from a Czech-Russian bank. By signing the joint letter, the 58-year-old leader sought to signal a distancing from Russia while leaving room for domestic debate about France's strategic priorities and support for Ukraine.
Le Pen is campaigning to become president in next spring's election. Polls currently show her ahead of other contenders and with a strong chance of reaching the run-off, making her positions on foreign policy and relations with Moscow politically significant for France and its European partners.
Key quotes:
"No provocation, no covert operation and no destabilization action can lead France to make it easier for Russia to achieve its war aims in Ukraine," the pair wrote.
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