When asked what triggered his shift from maintaining phone contacts with Putin at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to considering the use of foreign troops in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron attributed the change to Russian war crimes.
President Macron reflected on the shift in relations with Russia, stating,
“Indeed, two years have passed between these periods. There was a period in 2017-2022 when I had many conversations with President Putin, with the aim of achieving peace in Ukraine and upholding the Minsk agreements.”
He recalled the 2019 meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy at the Élysée Palace, emphasizing the initial goal of ensuring Europe’s security through dialogue.
However, Macron noted that “a new phase began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and then Putin tore up all the obligations under the Minsk format.” He highlighted that “after the scenes of mass war crimes, after Bucha, the war entered a new phase,” leading to a reevaluation of France’s strategic position and increased support for Ukraine, including immediate sanctions and budgetary support.
Macron stated that after reflection, he concluded the situation is challenging with heavy losses on both sides and Russia’s wartime economy. He emphasized the need for peace that ensures security for Ukraine and Europe amid international uncertainty.
“That is why this new European impetus was needed to accelerate assistance and do things differently. And if the enemy says that they have no limits, why should we say that we have these limits? We have a goal that Russia should not and cannot win this war. And that’s why we will continue to stand side by side with Ukraine, because there will be no peace in Europe if Ukraine has to capitulate. This means that this is our goal,” the French President said.
President Macron stated that if Putin calls, he would answer the phone as it is his responsibility to listen to any proposals, emphasizing France’s role in balancing the need to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities with the goal of achieving a lasting, stable, and fair peace. Asked about the possibility of Putin’s arrest if he visits the Normandy landing anniversary, Macron dismissed the scenario, stating that it is not on the agenda and Putin is not planning to come.
France ready for Russia’s possible escalation in response Macron’s “boots on the ground” idea
When asked about Putin’s threat that Russia will have no red lines for countries using troops in Ukraine, Macron confidently stated, “Yes, France is ready.”
Macron emphasized that France has always prioritized peace and negotiations over escalation, stating,
“In general, France has never gone for escalation because we are a power that always bets on peace.”
He identified Russia as the aggressor in the current situation, accusing it of starting a war under the guise of a special military operation and threatening everyone. Macron made it clear that the “off-the-rails” Kremlin regime, which he distinguishes from the Russian people, is responsible for escalating the situation.
He assured that France is prepared for any challenge and will respond to protect the security of Ukraine and Europeans if Russia escalates further.
However, he firmly stated,
“France will never be the first to initiate any aggression,” and reiterated that in this situation, “the only aggressor is President Putin and his regime.”
Nuclear umbrella
The journalist reminded President Macron of Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament in 1994 and asked if France might provide a nuclear umbrella for Ukraine.
He did not explicitly rule out the possibility of France providing a “nuclear umbrella” for Ukraine, stating that new security guarantees must be given to Kyiv, but emphasized that “France has its position on nuclear deterrence,” and that the position has not changed, implying that the French nuclear doctrine doesn’t include Ukraine’s protection.
Macron noted that Russia has been inappropriately threatening with nuclear weapons from the start. He acknowledged that the war, which began with the annexation of Crimea and escalated with the invasion in February 2022, has created new conditions.
Macron highlighted the need to provide additional security guarantees to Ukraine, ensuring clear visibility of military assistance and a path to negotiations. He stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental values in any discussions about security guarantees.
No second front
The interviewer noted that it is impossible to negotiate with “a Hitler” and the Allies just opened the Second Front in WWII instead, to which Macron said he has “no naivety about the Kremlin regime,” but doesn’t like historical parallels because of their special contexts in each case. The French president reiterated his position, saying, “Russia cannot and must not win this war,” and outlined France’s goal to restore lasting peace in Europe, ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
He highlighted that France aims to achieve this without escalating the conflict, but is prepared to respond based on Russia’s actions, emphasizing the importance of collective solidarity and Ukraine’s strong position for negotiations.
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