President Macron: France conducts confrontational campaign against Russia in Ukraine

Ria Novosti news agency reported on March 17 that in an interview with Le Parisien, French President Emmanuel Macron admitted that French military operations are being carried out in Ukraine to "confront the Russian army".

"Maybe at some point I don't want this and I won't initiate it. However, ground operations will have to be carried out, whatever they are, to counter the Russian military," President Macron said.

According to Mr. Macron, "France's strength" lies in "being able to do" that.

In late February 2024, President Macron announced that France would do everything to prevent Russia from “winning this war.” According to him, Western leaders had discussed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, but had not yet reached a consensus. The French president subsequently faced harsh criticism from his own parties and NATO allies.

During a meeting with opposition leaders in early March, President Macron reiterated that France has “no limits and no red lines” on the issue of supporting Ukraine.

Most recently, on March 14, in an interview with France 2, President Macron affirmed that France would never take the initiative in military action in Ukraine, because the country's defense industry is not strong enough to withstand high-intensity military operations. At the same time, he believes that the current conflict is of vital importance to Europe and France.

According to Mr. Macron, lasting peace on the continent is impossible if Ukraine is not returned to "internationally recognized borders, including Crimea"./.