President Emmanuel Macron of France said it is critical that Russia is not humiliated so that a diplomatic solution can be found when the violence in Ukraine ceases, adding that he believes Paris will play a mediating role in the conflict’s resolution.
Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Macron has attempted to retain contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some of Europe’s eastern and Baltic partners have repeatedly chastised him for his stance, which they regard as hampering efforts to get Putin to the negotiating table.
“We must not humiliate Russia so that, when the combat ceases, we can develop an exit ramp through diplomatic methods,” Macron said in a Saturday interview with regional newspapers.
“I am persuaded that France’s responsibility is to act as a mediator.”
Since the invasion, Macron has spoken with Putin on a regular basis in an effort to reach a ceasefire and initiate a serious dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow.
“I believe, and I have warned him, that he is making a historic and fundamental error for his people, himself, and history,” Macron added.
France has backed Ukraine militarily and financially, but Macron has yet to visit Kyiv to offer symbolic political backing, as other EU leaders have done. This is something Ukraine has requested. Macron stated that he had not ruled out the possibility of going.
Paris provides offensive weapons, including a Caesar cannon from the French army’s stockpile. Macron stated that he has requested that weapon makers increase production.
