Emmanuel Macron Stakes Claim as Europes Diplomatic maestro Over Ukraine Crisis
In a nerve-wracking presidential move, Emmanuel Macron visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow just weeks before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Amidst the looming presence of around 100,000 Russian soldiers along Ukraine's border, Macron aims to build bridges with Russia's authority and potentially conclude Europe's ongoing struggle without plunging into an all-out conflict.
The timing of Macron's diplomatic tour befits his objective, as Putin is eager to declare a "complete partnership" with China following a successful summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the 2022 Winter Olympics. A 30-year gas deal, which will be settled in Euros, serves as a financial bulwark against Western economic aggression against Russia.
Before journeying to Moscow, Macron engaged in five phone conversations with Putin, beginning mid-December. Putin only conversed with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson twice in the preceding months and US President Joe Biden twice as well. Even with Putin's closest ally, Belarussian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, Putin had only two chat sessions – with their last conversation taking place on January 8th.
Although Macron's talk session frequency doesn't guarantee thwarting a Russian invasion, the novelty is noteworthy. France currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, a position Macron intends to maximize until the French presidential election in April, or during the final days of his term should he secure re-election.
When Macron was questioned regarding a potential return to Paris before de-escalation, he unveiled his plans to stay put until receiving a signal that the situation eases, allowing him to negotiate pandemic reduction plans.
Parallel to Merkel's Encounter with Putin
Macron's international diplomacy echoes the extensive dialogues between former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Putin since his annexation of Crimea in 2014. Merkel, having been raised under Soviet control and Putin having served as a KGB officer in Dresden, shared easy communication. In September 2014 alone, Merkel spoke with Putin 35 times, surpassing Obama's total count and nearly six times as much as former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Although Putin's occupation of Crimea didn't sway Merkel's opposition, his dealings in the Eastern Donbass region of Ukraine saw limited progress beyond sporadic confrontations.
Merkel never wavered in her backing for Western sanctions or the recognition of Putin as a major player, even after his expulsion from the G8. European leaders continue to pursue negotiations with Putin to resolve the Ukrainian conflict and other regional disputes.
Macron Seizes the European Stage
Post-Merkel's resignation, the spotlight shifts to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who's conversed with Putin only once since assuming office. Macron's rapid rhetoric towards Russia creates a significant void in the German-Russian diplomatic space, pressuring the Russians to consider a unique strategy to engage with Europe.
Russia has long admired France, particularly during the French monarchy era when the French language was the language of the royal court. Current events offer a stark reminder of the past, with enticing complications.
Macron's Position as France's Diplomatic Peacemaker
When Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy stepped up as an effective mediator. As Macron assumes the same rotating EU presidency that Sarkozy held back then, it's curious that Sarkozy comes from France, which might pique Putin's interest.
Perhaps Putin perceives Macron as an individual who infuses the European stage with a fresh energy and quality, much like he did with Sarkozy back then.
The Disputed European Leadership Role
Meanwhile, the question remains if US President Joe Biden will soften his stance towards Russia, in line with Macron's diplomatic initiatives, aiming to orchestrate a cohesive European response.
One of Macron's major challenges is to balance his diplomatic endeavors with the United States forceful approach. For now, Macron seeks unity among his discussion counterparts, focusing on fostering goodwill and trust, recognizing Russia's influential figure in the international arena.
From Putin's perspective, Macron's approach seems enticing, but whether he can navigate the delicate path between his differences and forge a constructive relationship remains unknown.
