European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen escalated her rhetoric against Russia on Friday, describing President Vladimir Putin as a “predator” and invoking NATO’s warnings about a Russian threat to justify the European Union’s accelerated militarization plans.
Speaking alongside Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, von der Leyen announced the start of a tour of the EU’s “frontline states,” including Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, as well as Bulgaria and Romania. These nations share borders with Russia or Belarus.
“Putin is a predator,” von der Leyen said, accusing Russian “proxies” of targeting European societies through hybrid attacks and cyber operations over the years. She also alleged Moscow is engaging in the “weaponization of migrants,” though she provided no specific evidence and did not mention the EU’s own controversial open-door policies.
The EC chief linked these perceived threats to the EU’s ongoing defense initiatives. “So, as we strengthen Ukraine’s defense, we must also take greater responsibility for our own defense,” she said. Earlier this year, von der Leyen proposed raising €800 billion ($934 billion) through debt and tax incentives to bolster European defense, with the European Council approving €150 billion in borrowing for the effort.
Moscow has dismissed these claims as “nonsense,” accusing Western leaders of fearmongering to justify higher military spending. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently warned that the EU is sliding into a “Russophobic frenzy,” likening its militarization to a “Fourth Reich.”
The comments come amid continued discussions in Europe about providing “Article 5-like guarantees” for Ukraine, deploying troops as peacekeepers, and establishing buffer zones, all of which Russia has rejected, insisting any settlement must include demilitarization, denazification, neutrality, and recognition of territorial realities.
