Macron rebukes Putin and reminds Trump Russia is the aggressor
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
During a visit to Madagascar, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated key theses regarding Paris’s position on the war in Ukraine, according to the French Embassy in Ukraine.
The embassy explained that Macron emphasized that France’s position remains unchanged: the state consistently advocates for the sovereignty of peoples and territorial integrity within the framework of international law. He stressed that France does not adhere to double standards.
Regarding Ukraine, Macron stated that France will continue to support the right of the Ukrainian people to live in peace on their land, within internationally recognized borders. He reminded that the aggressor is Russia, and the victim is Ukraine.
Macron noted a significant step by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who agreed to an unconditional ceasefire at the initiative of the United States. In this regard, according to Macron, Washington’s outrage should be directed at only one person — Vladimir Putin, who has still not agreed to peace.
"The President of the Republic stated that President Putin must 'stop lying': to say that he wants peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine and take lives, as was the case last night in Kyiv — these are incompatible things," the embassy said.
In conclusion, Macron emphasized that only after achieving a ceasefire will it be possible to talk about building a just and lasting peace.
Attacks instead of ceasefire
Putin claims that he seeks peace. Recently, he responded to President Zelenskyy's proposal for a 30-day temporary halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure. Putin noted that this initiative “needs to be figured out” and even expressed willingness to negotiate with Kyiv. However, despite this, Russia continues to shell Ukraine and take lives.
In particular, on the night of April 24, Russian troops carried out a massive combined attack on Ukraine using drones and various types of missiles. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Pavlohrad, and other regions were hit, resulting in destruction, casualties, and numerous injuries.
US pressure
However, the United States is pressuring Ukraine to end the war, not Russia. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to participate in negotiations on Ukraine in London. According to Reuters, he made this decision after Ukraine refused to discuss territorial issues before achieving a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that a complete and unconditional ceasefire should be the first step toward peace, and he does not recognize Crimea as Russian.
In turn, US President Donald Trump, commenting on Zelenskyy’s statement about Crimea, noted that it allegedly harms peace efforts.
At the same time, the United States is not exerting corresponding pressure on Russia. As noted by the EU’s head of diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, Washington is not using instruments of pressure on the Russian Federation.
