The French president keeps the lines open to Vladimir Putin, his Russian counterpart. But they have not spoken since September 2022
Second, after the invasion Mr Macron has spoken to his Russian counterpart more than has any other Western leader. The French president periodically evokes the possibility of peace talks, arguing that Russia’s concerns will need to be taken into account. Last year he pressed the case for “not humiliating” Russia. The conclusion in some quarters is that Mr Macron wants to push Ukraine into suing for peace.
The French presidency categorically denies this. At no moment, says an adviser, has Mr Macron put pressure on Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, to negotiate. Mr Macron has hardened his line on Russia, declaring on December 31st that France would support Ukraine “all the way to victory”. The change has been noted in Kyiv. “Macron’s statement indeed demonstrates a substantial shift,” said Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Mr Zelensky’s former defence minister, in a tweet responding to the news.
in December 2022. Both countries worry about escalation. President Joe Biden finds Mr Macron’s line to Mr Putin useful. The Americans also know that France is the European Union’s biggest military power. On January 20th the French president announced a massive 40% increase in the French defence budget for 2024-30, compared with 2019-25, to €413bn .
If France does send Leclerc tanks to Ukraine, it would probably be a symbolic rather than an operational decision. The French army has little more than 200 of the tanks in operation, and can spare few of them. Either way, Mr Macron has made his political and military support for Ukraine clearer than ever, even if France remains unlikely to take the lead.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
A.P.C. launches luxury olive oil with a historic French châteauA.P.C., the French fashion label best known for its high-end basics, has collaborated with Château de Montfrin to create a one-of-a-kind olive oil
Lire la suite »
What French strikes mean for holidaymakers, from rail travel to ski liftsSki lift and railway workers are due to strike on 31 January as part of nationwide protests against plans to raise the pension age
Lire la suite »
Vanilla French Nails are trending and they're a sweet treat for Vanilla Girls everywhereWe spoke to Hailey Bieber's nail artist about the luxe minimalist look.
Lire la suite »
AP deletes widely mocked tweet about ‘the’ FrenchThe news agency had warned that journalists referencing 'the French' could be dehumanising.
Lire la suite »
Arsenal legend Petit warns new Gunners signings over 'difficult' time ahead under Arteta - Football365'It can be difficult because it’s going to take time to settle, to get into the dressing room and to understand exactly what Arteta is asking.'
Lire la suite »
Sotheby’s to auction Marie-Antoinette’s armchairs, amid other regal lots, in aid of French châteauSotheby’s Paris will auction works from the collection of interior designer Jacques Garcia in aid of Château du Champ de Bataille
Lire la suite »