Macron's stance: no more calls to Putin, respect for international law demanded
French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron no longer wishes to call Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. However, the French leader would not refuse a conversation if Putin himself were to call him, Macron said in an interview with Franceinfo.
"I have no reason to call him (Putin) today. The Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway. Hopefully, there will come a time for negotiations on Ukraine's terms. On the other hand, if he (Putin) calls me to propose something, I will accept that call because France has always been a mediating force," Macron said.
The French leader also commented on the Summit of the New Global Financial Pact taking place in Paris. He said that Russia's absence at the summit demonstrates its isolation.
Macron emphasized that before restoring dialogue with Russia, Moscow must end its war against Ukraine and abide by international law.
"Russia finds itself in a situation where it no longer respects international law, once again becoming one of the few colonial powers of the 21st century, waging an imperial war against its neighbor, Ukraine," the president said.
Macron also condemned Russia's attempts to destabilize the situation in Africa through the use of private military companies.
Macron's peace initiatives
It is worth noting that French President Emmanuel Macron was one of the few European leaders who continued to speak with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin even after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The French president explained that he was supposedly attempting to diplomatically help resolve the war.
Macron also visited China, where he discussed the war in Ukraine. He sought to persuade Chinese leader Xi Jinping to exert influence on Russia.
