Macron slams Putin's peace talks as 'delaying maneuver'
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, criticized Vladimir Putin's statement on Sunday regarding his readiness to negotiate with Ukraine. Macron labeled it a "delaying maneuver."
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin proposed resuming direct peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions, suggesting these take place on May 15 in Istanbul.
- Emmanuel Macron assessed this proposal as a "delaying maneuver," emphasizing that an unconditional ceasefire should not be preceded by 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 May 15 in Istanbul.
He added that Russia suggests direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul to "eliminate the root causes of conflict" and "restore long-term, lasting peace."
After returning from Kyiv, President Emmanuel Macron of France expressed skepticism about Putin's statement. The French leader commented that the Kremlin's proposal is a "delaying maneuver."
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 such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland, is advocating for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. He believes Putin's proposal is merely an attempt to buy time, a tactic the West has frequently accused Russia of using. The French president acknowledged Putin's statement as a first step towards peace, but noted that it is insufficient.
