Ukraine will have to negotiate with Russia
“We must be vigilant: we are not at war with Russia”
President of France Emmanuel Macron Russia promises to do “everything” to end the war in Ukraine. Earlier, Macron’s position on Moscow worried Kiev and its European allies.
Macron left for Romania on the evening of June 14 as part of a three-day visit to NATO’s southern wing and Moldova. His recent appearance as less supportive of Ukraine has drawn criticism from Kiev and its Eastern European allies.
A visit to Kiev is expected
“We will do everything to stop the Russian military, to help the Ukrainians and the army, to continue the talks,” he said. – Macron said at the NATO military base in Kogalnikeanu, near the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta.
On the evening of June 15, Macron traveled to the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, to become the country’s pro-Western president Maya Sandu will consult with. According to unconfirmed media reports, he will then leave for Kiev on June 16. During that visit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Italy Mario DraghiPresident of Romania Klaus Yohannisis also said to be.
“We must support Ukraine” – Macron said at a joint press conference with Johannis on June 15.
“France has made it clear from day one that Russia is aggressive,” he said. – Macron said. He has repeatedly said that Russia should not be humiliated in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
“We are not at war with Russia”
“But we must be vigilant: we are not at war with Russia.” – Macron, who has kept communication channels with the Kremlin open since the beginning of the occupation.
“Ukrainian President and his officials will have to hold talks with Russia” He stressed.
France leads a NATO combat team of 800 troops in Romania, 500 of which are French troops, and has deployed surface-to-air missile systems in the country.
The European Commission is due to announce its recommendation on Ukraine’s EU candidate status.
Several EU members, including France, are skeptical of Ukraine’s candidacy for the 27-member bloc.