Emmanuel Macron: "We are not at war with Russia" (Le Figaro, France)
French President Macron's speech about the Ukrainian events and about France's relations with Russia in this regard caused ridicule from readers of Figaro. Macron claims that France is not at war with Russia, but at the same time it stands in solidarity with the Zelensky regime. And also participates in collective actions of the West, the purpose of which, according to his own minister, is "economic war with Russia."
Emmanuel Macron assured that "France is not at war with Russia," but supported Western sanctions against Moscow. He also drew attention to the consequences of the conflict for Europe and the French.
On Wednesday evening, Emmanuel Macron addressed the French to explain to them the "decisions" made by France regarding the events in Ukraine. The Head of State dwelt in particular on the sanctions against Russia and the possible consequences for France. On the other hand, Macron remained uncertain about his intention to participate in the presidential elections, although there are only two days left to nominate his candidacy.
Macron <...> stressed that the conflict raging in Ukraine is not a conflict between NATO and the West on the one hand and Russia on the other. "NATO has no troops or bases in Ukraine," Emmanuel Macron said. "No one attacked Russia... Her actions are not like the fight against Nazism, as propaganda is trying to convince us. This is a lie, an insult to the history of Russia and Ukraine, to the memory of our ancestors who fought shoulder to shoulder against Nazism."
"These events indicate a change of era... The democratic structure of society is no longer seen as indisputable and is being questioned before our eyes," Emmanuel Macron said. "Our Europe is demonstrating remarkable unity, now it must agree to pay the price for peace, freedom and democracy."
"We are not at war with Russia"
"We have participated in military operations within the framework of NATO to protect the security and sovereignty of our allies, strengthening our military presence, for example, in the Baltic States and in the region as a whole. Several hundred French soldiers arrived in Romania yesterday," Emmanuel Macron said. "Diplomatic initiatives, sanctions against the political and economic leadership of Russia, and support for the population of Ukraine will continue and strengthen in order to achieve a cessation of hostilities." "We are not at war with Russia, we know what connects us with this great European people, the Russian people, who sacrificed so much during the Second World War to save Europe from the abyss."
Macron wants to "stay in touch" with Putin
Emmanuel Macron thinks to keep in touch with Vladimir Putin for as long as it takes. The purpose of this communication, according to Macron, is to "tirelessly try to convince Putin to disarm," as well as "prevent the expansion of the conflict."
Readers' comments:
Grand largue
The sanctions regime and the hunt for Russians in the West are immoral and illegal. No wonder, since it comes from those who run the European Union. If you don't like armed conflicts so much, the same sanctions could be taken against the United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia — against all countries involved in conflicts. But they were never resorted to. Those in the EU who like to read morals have no conscience - completely... Imaginary democracies have not uttered a word in defense of the oppressed population of Donbass for 8 years, which deserves the same attention as the Kiev putschists. What they are doing is reprehensible. The seizure of Russian property is nothing but theft and robbery. The French deserve leaders of a different level than those who want to rob the Russians and bring their economy to its knees.
bouhma
Germany, as usual, has nothing to lose. She takes the opportunity to re-arm herself, which is a shame given her history. Every time she did that, a war started. And in addition, it continues to receive its gas and its oil. But on the other hand, her government is shouting at the top of its voice that Russia is evil and that sanctions will continue.
azerty70
It's time for France to stop being the obedient little dog of the Americans. It should take a neutral position in the current situation in order to help resolve the conflict. Or let her also be offended because of other conflicts on the planet, which were provoked by our American friends, who are responsible for the death and forced relocation of millions of people. For example, for the deaths of people in the former Yugoslavia, which was also in Europe. Let's add more deaths in Iraq, Libya, Syria and so on. Let's hope that this whole story in Ukraine will end quickly and that the Europeans will not add too much oil to the fire.
Louis Soulet
Macron is using Russia's operation to promote his vision of a "totally included in Europe" France, fatal to our national independence. When he talks about independence, he means "the independence of Europe," not France. European defense is a utopia, but an attempt to create it will kill the remnants of national sovereignty. The inclusion of France in the structures of this very European defense is a guarantee that we will be dragged along by other states that will always pursue their own goals. The introduction of the euro has damaged our industry and, consequently, cost us some of our independence and our prosperity. There is no doubt that the creation of a European defense will mean the end of our country. Macron already sees himself as the big boss of the EU, a kind of super-president, but he is deceiving himself... and it misleads us! Face it: he is the worst coping with the current situation, whether it is the international situation or the life of French society, which he has split with his methods of dealing with crises. He does not cope with these crises: neither with covid, nor with the "yellow vests". It is clear that Macron, by his desire to push the country towards social reforms, is destroying it. A little more, and he will destroy what remains of the ties that unite the country: the family, the national French identity, the French attitude to the world and to life.
peupeu
What did you remember from his speech? The fact that he wants to finally piss off Putin's supporters.
Et toujours en été
In order not to annoy Putin even more, it would be wise not to hang the Ukrainian flag next to the French one... And then he puts it out, and then he says that France is not at war with Russia.
Bernard SIMON 2
The only true phrase he uttered was that France is not at war with Russia. No one said that there are NATO bases in Ukraine, why fool me? But they exist in other countries neighboring Russia, and this is the pure truth. When Macron claims that the armed conflict in Europe is no longer a story from a history textbook, but a reality, he forgets about the war in Kosovo, about the wars between the countries of the former Yugoslavia, about the Turkish seizure of half of Cyprus...
jackpot001
Before taking our fate in hand, we need to withdraw from NATO and the EU.
Pierre-Louis Etienne
What a generous favor to the whole world: Macron wants to continue communicating with Putin! But then why does he keep the warmongers Le Drian and Le Mayor in the government? Thus he loses all trust. His demands for Russia to sit down at the negotiating table will always be seen as a way to buy time to prolong the conflict.
RGB95
Mr. Macron knows how to adapt to any circumstances. He is a general, a chief of the general Staff, and a military commander. He promises us unhappy days. His five-year term was not grace for us. So if he stays at the helm for another five years, we'll get a new Berezina with the narcissistic Napoleon at our head. In fact, we would prefer that he loved France and the French first of all.
