If Russia refuses ceasefire, it lied to the US - Macron
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France does not change its position: it condemns Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and seeks peace. But for this, it is necessary to force the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to stop lying, BFMTV reports.
The President of France emphasized that the position of his country is consistent and unchanged. It stands for the sovereignty of peoples and territorial integrity, with respect for international law. Therefore, Macron condemned the position of Putin, who "continues to bomb" Ukraine.
"For France, there are no double standards. This applies to both Ukraine and the Near and Middle East, the African continent. I am proud of this position. And we will continue to defend the right of the Ukrainian people to live in peace on their territory, within internationally recognized borders," – stated the French President.
Macron recalled two simple facts: the aggressor in the war is Russia, the victim of aggression is Ukraine, but peace can be achieved.
"That is why we have always condemned Russia’s aggressive war. And now we are at a moment when, I hope, peace can be built," – Macron added.
Putin’s lies are an obstacle on the path to peace
Macron noted efforts on the path to peace made by Ukraine, in particular, the agreement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a ceasefire.
"A few weeks ago, at the initiative of the United States, President Zelenskyy made an incredible step. He said: I agree to an unconditional ceasefire. The only thing that still needs to be done – and I repeated this to President Trump, with whom I had a night conversation two days ago – is for President Putin to finally stop lying," – emphasized the French President.
Macron condemned Putin, who, in talks with American negotiators, says he wants peace but, at the same time, continues to bomb Ukrainian cities, killing people. Therefore, the United States must direct its anger precisely at Putin, the President of France believes.
"The international community must do only one thing, and American outrage must be directed at only one person – President Putin. He must answer the question of whether he agrees to a ceasefire without conditions. And then we will be able to build a just, strong, sustainable, reliable peace – that is, a peace that will allow for territorial compromises and ensure reliable security guarantees," – noted Macron.
However, he still does not see Putin as ready for peace. Therefore, Macron does not want to "participate in fake debates" and is waiting for only one answer – from Putin.
"If Russia says: 'I am not ready for a ceasefire,' – this will mean that it lied to the American president when it said it wants peace. And then conclusions will have to be drawn. If it says 'yes,' tomorrow we will have a ceasefire," – Macron summed up.
Attacks instead of a ceasefire
Putin claims he wants peace. Recently, the Russian dictator responded to President Zelenskyy's proposal to stop strikes on civilian infrastructure for 30 days. Putin stated that such an initiative "needs to be dealt with," and even allowed the possibility of negotiations with Kyiv to discuss the issue. However, in the meantime, Russia continues to shell Ukraine and kill people.
In particular, during the night of April 24, the Russians launched a massive combined strike on Ukraine using drones and various types of missiles. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Pavlohrad and other regions were hit, there is destruction, casualties, and many injured.
US pressure
However, the US is pressuring Ukraine to end the war, not Russia. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted negotiations on Ukraine in London. After this, Reuters wrote that the head of the State Department made such a decision after Ukraine refused to discuss territorial issues before a ceasefire.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that a complete unconditional ceasefire should be the first step toward peace. And he will not recognize Crimea as Russian.
In turn, US President Donald Trump, commenting on Zelenskyy's statement about Crimea, said that it allegedly harms peace efforts.
At the same time, the US does not apply corresponding pressure on Russia. According to EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas, Washington does not use pressure tools on the Russian Federation.
