French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday he would still consider talking with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin if it helps creating a sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia. “I didn’t start the war unilaterally, breaking the treaties I’d agreed to. And it wasn’t France that decided to commit war crimes in the north of Ukraine, making discussions virtually impossible,” Macron said. “Well, we have to be serious, so I have a very simple position. I haven’t changed my number.” “If President Putin has a willingness to engage in dialogue and serious proposals to move forward and emerge from the conflict and build a lasting peace, that is to say one that respects international law and therefore Ukrainian interests and sovereignty, I’ll take the call,” Macron said.
Quick Read
- Openness to Dialogue: French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his willingness to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin if it aids in creating sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia.
- Past Relationship: Macron and Putin had a good working relationship prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite Macron’s diplomatic efforts to prevent the war, hostilities commenced, but Macron kept communication lines open for months afterward.
- Deteriorating Diplomatic Ties: The diplomatic and personal connections between Macron and Putin worsened as the conflict in Ukraine continued. Macron considered revoking Putin’s receipt of France’s highest medal of honor earlier this year.
- Putin’s Remarks: In a year-end news conference, Putin noted that it was Macron who ceased their relationship, stating Russia’s readiness for dialogue if there’s interest from the French side.
- Macron’s Response in Brussels: Speaking at a summit in Brussels where EU leaders agreed to start membership negotiations with Ukraine, Macron reiterated his openness to dialogue with Putin, provided it leads to a peaceful resolution.
- France’s Stance on the War: Macron emphasized that France did not start the war or commit war crimes in Ukraine, implying the responsibility lies with Russia.
- Conditions for Dialogue: Macron stated that if Putin is willing to engage in serious dialogue and propose viable solutions to end the conflict while respecting international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty, he would be open to discussions.
- Putin’s Position on Peace: Putin declared that peace would only be considered once Russia achieves its objectives in the conflict, which have remained unchanged despite nearly two years of fighting.
The Associated Press has the story:
‘I didn’t change my number’: Macron still open to dialogue with Putin if it brings peace
Newslooks- BRUSSELS (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday he would still consider talking with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin if it helps creating a sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Macron and Putin enjoyed a good working relationship before Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. In weeks preceding the start of hostilities, Macron’s diplomatic efforts failed to stop the war but he then kept open a line of communication with the Russian president for months.
Their diplomatic and personal links deteriorated badly as the war dragged on. Earlier this year, Macron weighed the possibility of stripping Putin of France’s highest medal of honor.
Putin was asked Thursday during his year-end news conference by a journalist from the French channel TF1 about his views on France and Macron.
“At some point the French president stopped the relationship with us. We didn’t do it, I didn’t. He did. If there’s interest, we’re ready. If not, we’ll cope.”
Putin said.
Speaking in Brussels at the end of a summit where EU leaders decided to open membership negotiations with war-torn Ukraine, Macron said he remained open to dialogue with Putin on finding a peaceful solution if the Russian leader reaches out to him.
“I didn’t start the war unilaterally, breaking the treaties I’d agreed to. And it wasn’t France that decided to commit war crimes in the north of Ukraine, making discussions virtually impossible, Well, we have to be serious, so I have a very simple position. I haven’t changed my number.”
Macron said.
Macron added that if Putin shows a will to kick-start a dialogue that can build a lasting peace, France is ready to help.
“If President Putin has a willingness to engage in dialogue and serious proposals to move forward and emerge from the conflict and build a lasting peace, that is to say one that respects international law and therefore Ukrainian interests and sovereignty, I’ll take the call,”
Macron said.
Putin said this week there would be no peace until Russia achieves its goals, which he says remain unchanged after nearly two years of fighting.
