French President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to pursue peace in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Macron stated that he does not believe Putin wants peace but rather seeks the capitulation of Ukraine. In a series of remarks following meetings with Western leaders and Ukrainian allies, Macron described Putin as a "predator" and an "ogre at Europe's gates" who must "keep eating for his own survival." He warned European nations not to be naive about Russia, which he characterized as a persistent destabilizing force that has rarely honored its commitments since 2007-2008. Macron's comments came after a high-stakes White House meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.