Macron: "We Must Not Humiliate Russia" ... Ukraine Reacts

Macron "Avoid Russia's Humiliation for Diplomatic Resolution"
Ukraine "Macron's Remarks Are Demands That Humiliate Us"

French President Emmanuel Macron is giving a speech at his re-election inauguration ceremony held at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris on the 7th (local time). Having won the presidential election on the 24th of last month and secured a second term, President Macron pledged to create a "more livable planet" and a "stronger France" during his second term. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] French President Emmanuel Macron said that in order to maintain diplomatic channels with Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and to seek solutions, "Russia should not be humiliated." Ukraine immediately reacted against this.

In an interview with regional daily newspapers including Le Parisien published on the 4th (local time), President Macron said, "On the day the war stops, we must not humiliate Russia so that a diplomatic channel can provide an escape route."

President Macron emphasized that France is playing a significant role in mediating between both sides, stating that since December last year, he has lost count of how many times he has spoken with President Putin but has "engaged in dialogue for at least 100 hours."

When asked how he views President Putin, Macron responded, "The Russian people are still great, but Putin has isolated himself," adding, "He has made a historically significant mistake both for himself and for the Russian people."

Regarding Macron's remarks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba posted on Twitter the same day, criticizing, "The demand not to humiliate Russia humiliates France and all the countries making this demand."

Minister Kuleba added, "The one who is humiliated is Russia itself," and said, "It is better for all of us to focus on putting Russia back in its place. Only then can we bring peace and save lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.