French President Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Jean-Michel MacronSunday outlook: Russia, US exchange sanctions; tensions over police action are growing; vaccination campaign continues The Hill’s Morning Report – presented by Tax March – Biden to Putin: Harsh sanctions, candid talk Zelensky meets France and Germany over tensions in Russia MORE said during an interview broadcast on Sunday that the increased Russian military presence on the Ukrainian border is “absolutely counterproductive and unacceptable”.
Appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Macron was asked by host Margaret Brennan how France would react if Russia invaded Ukraine.
“I think the situation is unacceptable. Russia needs to de-escalate. This is clear,” Macron said. “The current situation and level of tension at the border is absolutely counterproductive and unacceptable. We now want a political process to tackle some Ukrainian regions and … for stability and peace for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people”
Brennan noted that Russia has largely ignored sanctions from other countries and NATO, with Macron himself once criticizing NATO as “brain dead.”
“I think what happened a few years ago when Ukraine was invaded is not a failure of diplomacy, it is a failure of our collective credibility towards Russia,” Macron said. “And I think when we put red lines, we have to make sure they are respected by our people and the others. And I think we have to be clear and tough. It was a failure of a naive approach to Russia. I am absolutely in favor of a discussion with Russia, with an open, calm and respectful discussion with Russia. “
Brennan also asked the French president if he believed recent US sanctions against Russia would make any difference to the Russian president Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin Navalny doctor says he “can die at any time.” Sunday preview shows: Russia, US exchange sanctions; tensions over police action are growing; vaccination campaign continues Russia blocks key Biden cabinet officials from entering MORE in retaliation for sanctionsMacron said he believed a multi-faceted approach is needed to address the situation on the Ukrainian border.
“I fully share as well as the willingness of it [President Biden
Joe BidenSuspect in FedEx shooting used two assault rifles he bought legally: police US, China say they are ‘committed’ to cooperating on climate change DC goes to the dogs — Major and Champ, that is MORE] dialogue, and I am sure President Putin can be willing to have an open dialogue. But if we want a better arms control system, if we want to stabilize many of the existing crises in the world, then we need an open and frank dialogue with Russia, ”he said.
“I think we need to define clear, red lines with Russia. This is the only way to be credible. I think sanctions alone are not enough, but sanctions are part of the package,” Macron added.