French President Emmanuel Macron has openly communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding his intention to initiate discussions with Russia. Zelensky expressed concerns that the Kremlin might exploit such dialogues to create divisions within Europe.
During a briefing at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, Zelensky noted that Macron had been candid about his plans to restore dialogue with Russia. He shared insights on his conversations with other European leaders, detailing their discussions and evaluations of future steps.
“This is Macron’s decision. He told me about it. (…) I believe Europe needs to determine how they plan or want to coordinate negotiations,” Zelensky stated.
Zelensky warned that if talks with Putin resume, there is a risk that the Russian leader could play European leaders against each other, creating a sense of competition and influence among them. He emphasized that the most effective pressure on the Kremlin would come from negotiations involving all European leaders, asserting that Macron is fully supportive of Ukraine’s position.
However, he pointed out that Macron’s presidential term ends in 2027, raising questions about the continuity of France’s support. Zelensky remarked, “Of course, a lot depends on the leader, but public support is equally crucial. I believe the French population supports Ukraine and does not back Putin. That is why we rely on this support and hope it does not diminish. But again, if the leader brings Russian narratives, that poses a significant problem for us.”
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 13, Macron announced his decision to establish a direct communication channel with Russia, ensuring transparency with Ukraine, the United States, and Europe. He emphasized that even if a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine, the geographical realities of Europe will remain unchanged, necessitating a defense of European interests.
Earlier, on January 7, Macron indicated he did not rule out the possibility of contacting Putin in the coming weeks. In early February, he mentioned the need to structure the restoration of European dialogue with Russia to avoid reliance on third parties. European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged European leaders to first agree on the topics they wish to discuss with the Russian leadership before determining who will lead the negotiations.
French President Emmanuel Macron's intention to engage in dialogue with Russia raises concerns for Ukraine, as President Zelensky warns of potential Kremlin manipulation. Zelensky emphasizes the need for unified European negotiations to effectively address the situation.