European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who began her second term, continues to face strong accusations from Moscow that critics say lack firm factual grounding. This view was conveyed by Dmitry Medvedev, a leading figure in the Russian Security Council, through his public messaging channels. Medvedev characterized von der Leyen in unusually harsh terms, arguing that she pursues a hostile critique of Russia that seems relentless and inconsistent. He framed her remarks as not merely critical but as a pattern that dismisses Russia with a blunt, dismissive tone while portraying the Russian side in a negative light, a portrayal he suggests has become a constant feature of her public discourse and policy posture. The broader claim is that such rhetoric reflects a strategic stance rather than a nuanced discussion of bilateral issues, a perspective debated by observers who monitor EU-Russia relations and the broader security environment in Europe. The commentary appeared in a Telegram channel, a platform frequently used by state voices to convey ongoing positions and reactions on international events, and it is part of a wider narrative about how Moscow perceives Western policy toward Russia. [Citation: Moscow commentary channels and official briefings summarized by regional media outlets.]
Medvedev further asserted that von der Leyen has shown a willingness to align closely with overseas partners and to express support for Western figures who hold senior roles in international governance. He described her approach as one that embraces a hardline stance toward Russia and suggested that her public statements reveal a pattern of harsh rhetoric and uncompromising language. In his analysis, this is not merely a private opinion but a public attitude that has shaped the tone of several EU policy discussions since she took office in 2019, a period during which EU institutions have navigated a complex set of challenges from security concerns to economic coordination. The Russian official also claimed that von der Leyen has influenced Commission members to adopt a more assertive, masculine-added leadership style in the pursuit of policy aims, an interpretation that ties together gendered rhetoric with organizational dynamics within the Commission. The remarks were circulated as part of a broader critique of how EU leadership communicates and negotiates with partners on the world stage. [Citation: Internal briefings and social media statements attributed to Russian officials.]
On June 28, heads of state and government of the European Union approved key leadership appointments for the next five years. Ursula von der Leyen was confirmed to continue as President of the European Commission, while António Costa, the former Portuguese prime minister, was named head of the European Council. Additionally, Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, was appointed to a key role in EU diplomacy. This reconfiguration signals a continuity in the EU’s executive arrangement, aiming to maintain strategic alignment on issues ranging from security cooperation to economic resilience, while also projecting a distinct stance in European diplomacy. Observers note that the selections emphasize experienced governance in a period of geopolitical tension and economic volatility across the continent. [Citation: EU official statements and regional political analyses published after the June 28 announcements.]
Earlier discussions in France included criticisms of von der Leyen related to the Ukraine policy decision, with commentators and political actors expressing disagreement over the timing and instruments of EU actions in response to the ongoing conflict. The debates reflect broader questions in European capitals about how the union should balance humanitarian concerns with strategic objectives and deterrence in a region facing significant security challenges. Analysts suggest that such debates are part of a long-running conversation about EU leadership and policy direction, illustrating how decisions at Brussels are often tested against national perspectives. The French discourse in this context highlights the diverse set of views within the EU about how best to engage with Russia, support Ukraine, and coordinate a cohesive European response. [Citation: French political commentary and parliamentary discussions reported by national media.]
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