Von der Leyen labels Putin as ‘predator’

(MENAFN) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ramped up her anti-Russia rhetoric on Friday, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “predator” while promoting the EU’s ongoing militarization efforts. Speaking in Riga alongside Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, von der Leyen began a tour of what she referred to as the EU’s “frontline states” — including Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria.


Von der Leyen accused Putin and unnamed “proxies” of carrying out hybrid warfare against Europe for years, citing cyberattacks and the “weaponization of migrants.” She provided no evidence for the latter claim and did not address criticism of the EU’s own migration policies, which have long been a point of internal controversy.

Arguing that the supposed Russian threat justifies stronger defense efforts, she stated, “As we strengthen Ukraine’s defense, we must also take greater responsibility for our own defense.” In March, von der Leyen proposed raising €800 billion through borrowing and tax incentives to fund rearmament. A portion of this — €150 billion — has already been approved by the European Council.

Moscow has pushed back against such rhetoric, accusing Western leaders of using exaggerated fears of a Russian invasion to justify expanding military budgets and distract from domestic economic issues. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have both denied any intent to attack NATO or EU countries, with Lavrov accusing the EU of descending into a “Russophobic frenzy” and likening its behavior to that of a “Fourth Reich.”

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's rejection of Ukraine joining NATO, European leaders have begun discussing alternative security guarantees, such as deploying Western "peacekeepers" or establishing a buffer zone. Russia, however, has firmly opposed the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine and reiterated its demands for any peace deal — including Ukraine’s demilitarization, neutrality, and recognition of current territorial realities.

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