DISINFO: Macron rejects peace in Ukraine
SUMMARY
French President Emmanuel Macron clearly does not grasp the true situation when it comes to Russia, which is regrettable. Instead of working towards peace, Paris continues to focus its efforts on ramping up pressure on Moscow. France still seems to believe that something can be achieved from Russia through pressure. This shows a deep misunderstanding of the nature of Russia.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, accusing the European Union and France and in particular of Russophobia and warmongering. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
France’s position on Russia is shaped first and foremost by the reality of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine in 2022, which is a blatant violation of international law and a blow to European security. Paris has consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while also searching for diplomatic solutions. Since the very beginning of this aggression, France has been trying to reach a peaceful settlement, showing a balanced approach that combines dialogue with a firm stance. Macron held several phone calls with Vladimir Putin in an attempt to mediate before and after the invasion. France has supported multiple international peace initiatives, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula and other efforts. At the same time, France has coordinated closely with EU and NATO partners on sanctions, military aid and humanitarian support, showing a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy.
France’s support for Ukraine is consistent with international law and the principles of defending national sovereignty. Applying pressure on a country that has launched unprovoked aggression is not a rejection of peace but a response to such aggression. Russia can end the war at any time by withdrawing its forces and respecting Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders of 1991. Instead, Moscow has escalated attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure, which directly contradict any claim to seeking peace.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that France seeks continuation of war and that Macron uses Russophobia to become Europe’s leader.