His explanations were expected.
Emmanuel Macron spoke this Thursday evening to the French on support for Ukraine, in the face of a Russia accused of being increasingly “threatening” in Europe.
Less than three months before the European elections, his interview on “20 Heures” on TF1 and France 2 also de facto marked his entry into the race.
The head of state was especially expected on his declarations around the possible sending of troops to Ukraine, which were not only denounced by his opponents in France but also sowed disorder in a good part of Europe, even s he stressed that no consensus existed “at this stage” among the allies.
Will Western troops be sent to Russia?
This subject is the first to be addressed by journalist Anne-Sophie Lapix.
“We are not in that situation today,” replies the head of state.
“We did everything to restore peace.
(…) If things were to degenerate, it would be Russia’s fault,” he continues, insisting as in his previous outings that Moscow “must not win this war.”
Emmanuel Macron recalls that this “existential” war is now located “on European soil”.
The tenant of the Élysée then tempers the offensive inclinations that have been attributed to him in recent days.
“We will never lead the offensive, we will never take the initiative, France is a force for peace.
But to have peace, you don’t have to be weak,” asserts the president.
He indicates that he “does not wish” to send Western troops to Ukraine, and retorts that the question should be asked of Vladimir Putin, who “crosses all the red lines”.
“Two years ago, we said
we won’t send tanks
, we did it,” he recalls.
“If the situation deteriorates, we will be ready.”
Emmanuel Macron then discusses the limits of the Ukrainian army, particularly in terms of weaponry and more specifically in the quantity of shells.
He points to the “informational and cyber attacks” carried out by Russia, as well as the death of opponent Alexeï Navalny.
“The context is changing on the ground, it’s much more difficult for the Ukrainians.
And Russia is toughening its internal policy,” says the president.
Faced with the evolution of the situation, “this start of the year must be a start,” he says.
“The security of Europe and the French is at stake in Ukraine”
The head of state recalls that France had an operational army "well before the start of the war in Ukraine", recalling that the army budget increased under his presidency.
He is then questioned about the delivery of weapons.
“Our defense industry is not adapted to a high-intensity war,” recalls Emmanuel Macron, indicating that France has moved into a “war economy” and that the rates have been increased.
Particularly in terms of production of Caesar cannons.
If Russia wins, what would be the security risks?
“If Russia were to win, the lives of the French would change,” warns Macron, who also warns of a possible loss of credibility for Europe.
“We would no longer have security in Europe.
Who can think that President Putin would stop there?
The security of Europe and the French is at stake in Ukraine,” insists the president, repeating that “the security of Europe and the French is at stake in Ukraine.”
He maintains a firm position, faced with a possible extension of the conflict: “To decide to be weak is already to be in defeat.”
The Russian regime “is the adversary of France,” said Macron, specifying that “we are not waging war on Russia and the Russians.”
So what are the objectives for ending the conflict?
“There will be no lasting peace without sovereignty and a return to Ukraine's internationally recognized borders,” explains the tenant of the Élysée.
What about Crimea?
“That will be up to the Ukrainians to decide,” he replies.
Macron has not spoken to Putin “for several months”
Emmanuel Macron is then questioned by journalists about the nuclear threat recently brandished by Vladimir Putin.
“When it comes to nuclear matters, few words are needed.
It is a security instrument.
Our nuclear capability gives security to the French, but also responsibility,” adding that brandishing the nuclear army as a threat is irresponsible.
Macron says he has not spoken to Putin “for several months”.
Before February 2022, he had spoken with him “for hundreds of hours”.
But “the discussion no longer made sense,” he said, specifying that some discussions took place “on the nuclear issue.”
The head of state, however, says he is ready “to hold discussions”, but with a view to “peace”.
The National Assembly and the Senate largely approved this week the bilateral security agreement signed with kyiv, but the RN abstained and LFI voted against.
Positions criticized by the majority, such as by Emmanuel Macron: “I have a very deep disagreement.
Choosing to abstain or vote against is not choosing peace but defeat,” Macron reacts.
How to respond to accusations of instrumentalization of the war by the presidential camp?
“It's not serious because the responsibility for this war lies only with Russia.
Ours is to be strong in peace,” replies the president.
Macron for a “political” response to Gaza
The president is then asked about the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“France has had a consistent position from the start.
(…) We implacably condemned the Hamas terrorist attack.
We are cutting funding, in particular by eliminating associations,” he says.
He points to the “responsibility” of Israeli “democracy”, which must “respect the laws of war”.
According to him, there needs to be “a political response to the legitimate right of Palestinians to have a state”.
Concerning the three French hostages, Macron simply indicates that “discussions are underway” and that the families are “informed”.
Following his speech, Emmanuel Macron asked users of the social network X (formerly Twitter) to question him on France's support for Ukraine.
He undertakes to respond to “a few” of them on the same network.