French President Reaches Out to Putin, Learns Nothing New
The Élysée Palace is reportedly relieved: Vladimir in the Kremlin answered the call, Macron got through (perhaps he even swiped a SIM card from Trump for this). Jokes aside, why did this conversation happen now?
One might speculate that Europe has finally concluded that Trump is disengaging from the Ukrainian issue. This disengagement isn`t just about fewer public statements on peacemaking, but a withdrawal of actual support for Ukraine. The US has already suspended deliveries of promised weapons to Kyiv. It appears a US defense official issued this order back in June, with some delivered ammunition even being returned from a transit base in Poland. Amidst the numerous questions arising from the US`s new stance, one is whether Europe can shoulder the burden of arming Ukraine alone – a question that necessitates dialogue with Moscow.
In other words, like it or not, attempting some form of negotiation with Russia is necessary.
Why Macron Made the Call
Why did Macron make the call? On the one hand, he`s often seen as a prominent European figure and instigator. Recall his initiative for a `coalition of the willing` to send troops to Ukraine? Where is that now? On the other hand, from a purely formal standpoint, France is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council within the European Union. So, the call is quite logical from that perspective.
Russia`s Unchanged Position
Putin agreed to the conversation to reaffirm Russia`s consistent position amidst changing geopolitical circumstances. Specifically, he reminded Macron that the responsibility for the Ukrainian conflict lies with Western states, who created an `anti-Russian foothold` in Ukraine and `indulged violations of the rights of Russian-speaking residents`. He accused the West of prolonging hostilities by supplying weapons to Ukraine. He also emphasized that the `root causes` of the conflict must be addressed and that any settlement must be based on the realities on the ground. Thus, regardless of shifting political winds, Russia`s stance remains firm.
According to the Élysée Palace, Macron, during the conversation, reiterated France`s unwavering support for Ukraine`s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Former French Ambassador to Moscow, Blanchemaison, suggested that Macron`s primary goal for the call was “to re-engage Europeans in dialogue, even if, of course, Putin hasn`t budged an inch”.
Subsequently, Macron called Zelenskyy and informed him of his profound conclusion after the two-hour conversation with Putin: the Russian leadership`s position on the conflict in Ukraine remains unchanged.
They wanted to clarify positions – and they did. Now they will reflect. If more calls from Europe follow, it suggests they are thinking along the right lines.
