Kremlin responds to Macron's claims of exerted influence on Russia
French President Emmanuel Macron's recent statements about stepping up pressure on Russia have left the Kremlin unamused, according to Dmitry Peskov, Putin's press secretary. Macron stated that in the following 8-10 days, international pressures would intensify to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine. Macron also mentioned that he had convinced the US administration of the possible risks and potential sanctions against Russia.
In response to Macron's comments, Peskov criticized France's persistence in escalating the conflict, while Putin has repeatedly shown his willingness to engage in dialogue without any preconditions. Peskov believes that Macron's statement demonstrates European countries' determination to continue the conflict rather than peaceful resolution.
It's not the first time that France has shown strong support for Ukraine and its territorial integrity, vehemently condemning Russian aggression. In fact, France has endorsed President Zelenskyy's earlier proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, viewing it as a potential foundation for peace talks. However, France calls for Russia to reciprocate by responding substantially to Ukraine's 30-day ceasefire proposal to facilitate negotiations.
Russia, on the other hand, has proposed talks "without preconditions," although the Kremlin has yet to explicitly support Zelenskyy's specific ceasefire plan. Russia has been engaging in temporary pauses in drone and missile strikes but is viewed as merely a marketing move by France and Ukraine. As of late April 2025, Russia hasn't formally accepted the 30-day cessation framework, despite Ukraine's renewed offer backed by Western allies. This ambiguity surrounding Russia's reaction maintains uncertainty regarding immediate prospects for a peaceful resolution.
- Dmitry Peskov, Putin's press secretary, expressed displeasure over Emmanuel Macron's statements aiming to intensify pressure on Russia, stating that Putin is ready for dialogue without any preconditions in the war-and-conflicts realm.
- Macron's comments indicated an increase in international pressures intended to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine within the next 8-10 days, with the objective being to engage in peace-making policy-and-legislation and negotiations.
- France has shown strong support for Ukraine and its territorial integrity, condemning Russian aggression, and endorsing President Zelenskyy's proposal for an unconditional ceasefire as a foundation for negotiations, urging Russia to reciprocate.
- In contrast, Russia has proposed talks "without preconditions," but has yet to explicitly support Zelenskyy's specific ceasefire plan, leading some, like France, to view Russia's temporary pauses in drone and missile strikes as mere marketing moves in the realm of politics.
- As of late April 2025, Russia has not formally accepted the 30-day cessation framework despite Ukraine reiterating its offer backed by Western allies, thereby maintaining an air of uncertainty regarding the immediate prospects for a peaceful resolution in the war-and-conflicts arena.
