Le Pen and Bardella condemn Russian hybrid threats and asset seizures in joint statement

Joint statement against Moscow

French National Rally leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella issued a joint communique on 19 September 2026 warning Russia against hybrid operations and intimidation directed at France. The statement followed intelligence briefings and diplomatic warnings concerning escalating covert actions across Europe. Both politicians declared that foreign pressure will not alter the strategic stance of the country or its support for international law, stressing that French foreign policy is decided in Paris rather than Moscow.

“We will never tolerate a foreign power, in this case Russia, attempting to directly or indirectly dictate our country's policy through intimidation, threats, destabilization, or psychological pressure.”

Briefing at the Élysée Palace

The statement followed a gathering on 18 September 2026 at the Élysée Palace, where French President Emmanuel Macron convened leaders of political parties and public administration bodies. During the closed session, French intelligence agencies presented assessments on international security conditions, detailing risks associated with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. After the briefing concluded, the president addressed reporters regarding European defense challenges.

“In recent weeks, the threat to European countries and France has increased, in particular the Russian hybrid threat.”

National Rally representatives referenced European intelligence alerts, including warnings from Polish authorities and an August 2026 drone incident at Leipzig airport that German officials attributed to Russian operations. Le Pen and Bardella noted that the threat facing European societies stems primarily from hybrid campaigns targeting public opinion. They expressed support for measures necessary to strengthen the security of France's strategic infrastructure.

Corporate seizures and hybrid threats

The party leaders pointed specifically to recent decisions by Moscow to place the Russian subsidiaries and assets of Western enterprises under temporary state administration. The measures affected French retail chain Auchan alongside Swiss food manufacturer Nestlé. Le Pen and Bardella characterized the asset takeovers as hostile actions that cause direct harm to European corporate rights and legitimate economic interests.

“No provocation, no covert operation, and no destabilizing action can induce France to facilitate Russia in achieving its war goals in Ukraine.”

The joint declaration maintained that while France must defend itself against foreign disruption, pursuing a negotiated end to the conflict remains necessary. The leaders argued that responding firmly to hostile operations does not exclude diplomatic efforts to bring about an end to the fighting in Ukraine.

Domestic debate and presidential campaign

The communication outlines boundaries between external interference and domestic democratic discussion, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election. Le Pen and Bardella affirmed that French lawmakers retain the right to debate the level and conditions of financial assistance delivered to Kyiv, as well as the effectiveness of diplomatic channels. In early September 2026, party vice president Louis Aliot suggested potentially cutting off aid to Ukraine.

Marine Le Pen is currently preparing for the spring 2027 presidential election, leading opinion polling ahead of the first round. The joint release also addresses historical differences within the party regarding Russia. Le Pen previously met Russian President Vladimir Putin and her party obtained a 9.4 million euro loan from a Russian-Czech bank, which was later repaid. Bardella has presented Russia as a direct threat to Europe, while Le Pen supports military equipment transfers but opposes additional financial aid. The National Rally plans to release its full platform before the end of the year.