French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to pursue peace negotiations with Ukraine, as reported by Le Figaro.
Putin "does not want peace" with Kyiv and "is not ready to negotiate," Macron remarked on Sunday following a significant Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
This strike, described as "one of the most intense since the start of the conflict," prompted Macron to assert during a speech in Buenos Aires: "President Putin's intentions are clear—to escalate the fighting."
Macron further emphasized: "If we need to understand Mr. Putin’s intentions, his actions on the ground make them obvious. Whatever his statements may claim, he does not want peace and is not ready to negotiate."
When questioned about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent call with Putin, Macron refrained from commenting directly. "I think every leader is free to take their own initiative," he said, adding that while he has "never ruled out" resuming talks with Putin, he would only do so "when the context and conditions are right."
The conversation between Scholz and Putin took place on Friday, November 15. During the call, Scholz condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and urged Putin to end the conflict and withdraw his troops.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he had been informed of Scholz's intention to speak with Putin but expressed concerns, calling the move a potential "Pandora’s box."
