Macron dismisses Putin's peace talks as tactical delay
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, criticised Vladimir Putin's Sunday statement about readiness to negotiate with Ukraine, calling it a "delaying manoeuvre."
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions, suggesting they take place on 15 May in Istanbul.
- Emmanuel Macron assessed this proposal as a "delaying manoeuvre," emphasising that an unconditional ceasefire should precede negotiations.
- The West, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland is calling for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
Is Putin's proposal a step towards peace?
On Sunday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposed to Ukraine the resumption of direct peace talks without preconditions. He mentioned that such negotiations could occur on 15 May in Istanbul.
He added that Russia proposes direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul to "eliminate the root causes of conflict" and "restore long-term, lasting peace."
After returning from Kyiv, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, expressed scepticism about Vladimir Putin's statement on Sunday. The French leader stated that the Kremlin's proposal is a "delaying manoeuvre."
Macron remarked that an unconditional ceasefire is, by definition, not preceded by negotiations.
What are the West's reactions to the Kremlin's proposal?
Macron, along with allies, including Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland is advocating for the introduction of a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. In his view, Putin's proposal is merely a tactic to buy time, a charge the West has repeatedly levelled against Russia. The French president described Putin's statement as a first step towards peace, but noted that it remains insufficient.
