The war between Russia and Ukraine can only be stopped through negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron stated this in an interview with ‘France Inter’, ‘Le Figaro’ and ‘Le Journal du Dimanche’. “I wish Russia’s defeat in Ukraine and that Ukraine can defend its position, but I am convinced that the end (of the conflict, ed) will not be reached militarily, “Macron said, stressing that “neither side can completely prevail” because “the effects of the mobilization are not as great as expected and have capacity limits”.
Macron also reiterated that Ukraine needs a military offensive to bring Russia back to the negotiating table. However, as some have suggested, he does not believe Russia should be attacked on its soil. “These they would like to crush Russia. This has never been and never will be France’s position, ” the French president said.
Macron doubts the possibility of significant domestic pressure on Russia to end the conflict. “Do we honestly think that a democratic solution will emerge from Russian civil society, after years of hardening and conflict? I wish but I don’t believe it,” Macron added, stating that any alternative to Russian President Vladimir Putin within the current structure looks worse.
