Macron: France does not support and will not support the idea of ​​crushing Russia

The crushing of Russia has never been and will never be the position of France, said the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche, Figaro and radio stations France Inter on their return from the Munich Security Conference.

According to him, he would like Ukraine to be able to defend its position. “But I am convinced that this will not be resolved militarily in the end. I don’t think, like some, that she should defeat Russia completely, attack her on her territory. These observers want above all to crush Russia. This has never been the position of France and never will be,” Macron said.

The French President added that the parties need to return to negotiations. At the same time, on January 17, as part of the Macron conference pointed outthat the time for dialogue with Russia on Ukraine has not yet come. According to the President, a sustainable peace in Europe is impossible without taking Russia into account.

Macron has repeatedly advocated maintaining a dialogue with Russia. In particular, he said January 11 at a press conference with the head of the European Council, Charles Michel. Also in September 2022, French President declared about the need to continue the dialogue with Russia, explaining that one should speak even with those “with whom they do not agree.” In the same month, Macron saidthat France should do everything to get Ukraine and Russia back to the negotiating table. In November, Macron declared about the need to increase efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

In December 2022, the Kremlin answered in the negative to the question whether Putin was going to congratulate the French leader on his birthday or call him on other matters. At the same time, in early December, Macron claimed that he continued to maintain direct contacts with Putin. Then he stressed that the only way to resolve the situation in Ukraine are negotiations.