The presidents of France and Russia met in Moscow. «Dear Vladimir» and «dear Emmanuel» spent almost seven hours side by side. First, face-to-face negotiations, then dinner, then a press conference. As a result, everything ended after midnight, and the next morning Macron had to fly to Kiev. “We are going to Moscow, and then to Kiev for one simple reason,” a source in the Elysee explained before the trips. “We don’t have problems with President Zelensky, we have problems with President Putin, so it is in Moscow that we will look for ways to de-escalate.”
Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron in the Kremlin. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation/TASS
How Macron “understands the traumas of a great nation”
“We do not expect“ any decisive changes ”from the meeting between Macron and Putin,” the Kremlin announced in advance.
“Decisive changes” were not expected in Paris either. But it was hoped that Macron would leave the Kremlin, having received a “clear signal of Putin’s readiness to reduce tensions” near the Ukrainian borders.
A person from the French president's team outlined three topics that he considers to be the main ones at the talks in the Kremlin.
First task — «to consolidate the successes that we have already achieved in the Normandy group, that is, at the meeting («political advisers») in Paris two weeks ago.» The consolidation of «success» can be expressed in the announcement of «humanitarian measures as a sign of confidence building». There will also be discussed “the modalities of negotiations within the Trilateral Contact Group on what is essential for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, and, in particular, negotiations on a law on a special status, on constitutional reform and other provisions relating to Donetsk and Lugansk.”
The second most important topic for President Macron is “de-escalation measures (near the borders of Ukraine)”.
«And thirdly, there is a question that the President of France raised (during his speech on January 19) in the European Parliament — this is the question of establishing a new order of European security.»
So far, the contours of this “new order” have been outlined very vaguely: the point is that Europe should play a more important role in determining the guarantees of its own security – “in full accordance with our obligations within the Atlantic Alliance”, but also “in dialogue with Russia”.
Macron planned — but this item was not mandatory — to talk with Putin about other topics — in particular, about the situation in Mali, where the junta, having entered into close cooperation with Moscow, went so far as to force the French ambassador to leave the country and became in openly interfere with the French army and its European allies to conduct an anti-terrorist operation.
The French press in advance and almost unanimously recognized the visit as «extremely risky» for Macron, who has the first round of presidential elections in just two months.
He will leave Moscow without receiving anything, and even worse — he will leave, and the situation will worsen — and here you have a resounding pre-election failure in the international direction. Well, or «success», for which any concession from Putin will be issued.
Asked why it was necessary to go if a videoconference would have been enough, a source at the Elysee told BFMTV that it was important for Macron to evaluate the “body language” that Putin would use when reacting to various topics, as well as the “spontaneity of his reactions.” .
Macron himself gave a comment to the Sunday newspaper JDD before leaving. He regretted that last year other European leaders did not support his proposal with Merkel to hold an EU-Russia summit. “The geopolitical goal of Russia today is clearly not Ukraine, but the clarification of the rules for coexistence with NATO and the EU,” Macron assured, saying that he “understands <…> trauma of this great people and this great nation.» As well as the injuries of Russia's neighbors.
Kremlin: Macron came «with certain ideas»
On the day of the visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the talks «will be absolutely dominated by the topic of tension in Europe related to the situation around Ukraine, the topic of security guarantees for Russia, everything related to these main problems.»
The Kremlin emphasizes in every possible way that both this visit and the previous telephone conversations were held «on the initiative of the French side.» “We know, and Macron himself told Putin that he was coming with certain ideas to find possible options for defusing tensions in Europe and meant to share them,” Peskov said.
Ukrainian protests in Toronto, February 2022. Photo: Anatoliy Cherkasov/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The problem is that, even if Putin really wanted to stop any means of pressure on Ukraine and «our Western partners», Macron is unlikely to offer something far beyond the scope of those letters that were handed over to the Russian authorities by the US and NATO at the end of January.
Peskov also noted the «importance» of the fact that «Macron heads the country that presides over the European Union.» But even this does not give Macron the opportunity to speak on behalf of the entire EU. And it is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve support for Putin's initiatives, for example, from Poland or the Baltic countries.
Yes, and in the Kremlin — judging by the statements of pro-Kremlin political scientists — they want to talk mainly with Washington, perceiving the President of France and the German Chancellor (Scholz will be in Moscow in a week) rather as intermediaries in negotiations with the United States, as well as » exerting pressure» on the leadership of Ukraine.
Nevertheless, before the meeting, Macron tried to negotiate with foreign partners at least some concessions in order to find a “compromise” in relations with Moscow.
In the past two weeks, he organized a diplomatic marathon for this purpose , speaking with the leaders of Canada, Germany (twice), the European Union, NATO, Great Britain, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the USA (twice).
“Vladimandp! How are you?”: how was everything in Moscow
«Vladimir! How are you?» Macron shouted as soon as he appeared in the Kremlin hall at 18.30. Fine. Just fine. How are you? Putin replied from afar. “Doo you have a good trip?” — «Very good.»
Following this, the Russian president made the first business proposal (and perhaps one of the few that will remain fulfilled as a result of these negotiations): “Put chairs for interpreters. Sit down, please!»
The presidents sat down at such a table that they were separated from each other by eight meters, no less. That is, the Russian side is well prepared for the negotiations, at least technically. From such a distance, of course, it is difficult to read the “body language”… “We haven’t met for two years…” Putin replied with a smile of either joy or romantic sadness, turning the translation machine in his hands. “But still, our contacts have never been interrupted,” the owner of the Kremlin admitted, and to start the conversation he said: “Moreover, the volume of trade, despite the pandemic, has grown …” Putin recalled that President Macron from the very beginning of his term built «special relations» with Russia, and it is generally symbolic that they meet on the day of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the agreement «on special relations between Russia and France» …
Liberation Cover. Photo: instagram
Macron, thanking him, also remembered the 30th anniversary… “But, of course, it is the critical situation in Europe that will occupy both of us today…,” he said.
After Macron’s speech negotiations behind closed doors. Then there was dinner (see menu).
Dinner menu
Putin and Macron came out to reporters just after midnight.
Press conference: «Well, let's see how the meeting of Mr. President in Kiev will go»
The host of the meeting started. He said: «Negotiations, by tradition, were held in a businesslike manner, meaningful and useful.» “We continued to exchange views on Russian proposals addressed to the United States and NATO…” Said that “our concerns were ignored in the responses received from partners from the US and NATO on January 26…”. Then Putin began to criticize the «open door policy» of NATO. And again he repeated the well-known line from the OSCE documents: «…do not strengthen your security at the expense of the security of other states.»
Then the President of the Russian Federation recalled that NATO is primarily a military organization, “as citizens of many states have seen from their own experience”: “Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the operation <…> against Belgrade without the sanction of the UN Security Council”.
He stated that Russia «cannot ignore» the fact that «in the 2019 NATO military strategy, Russia is directly named the main security threat and adversary.» And «having moved their infrastructure close to our borders, NATO and its member states consider themselves entitled to teach us a little bit — where and how we should place the armed forces …». “And the movement of our troops on our own territory <…> presented as a threat of a Russian invasion – in this case, Ukraine.” “Allegedly, both the Baltic countries and our other neighbors feel in danger. On what basis is not very clear, ”Putin assured. “The NATO member countries themselves for the modernization of the Ukrainian army…” Putin recalled, and, probably, he could also add “on what basis it is not clear.” But didn't.
Photo: Sergei Guneev/POOL/TASS
Then the President of the Russian Federation turned to the story of the “unwillingness of the Kiev authorities to comply with the obligations under the Minsk package of measures and agreements in the Normandy format.”
Then he said that in this country there are “massive systematic violations of human rights”, “objectionable media are being closed, political opponents are being persecuted …”. President Macron smiled for some reason.
But the Russian president did not stop: having told that he had made an “offer” to Petro Poroshenko — “to grant asylum in Russia” (and once again “confirming the offer”), Putin began to talk about the alleged “discrimination against the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine, which was denied as recognition by its indigenous people in their native land, and in the use of their native language.” “We hope that Mr. President (Makron), at least as he said today, intends to discuss the discussion that took place on the issues of guarantees for ensuring security and stability in Europe, the intra-Ukrainian settlement, at a meeting with the Kiev leadership tomorrow.” (Putin never once mentioned the name of the “Kiev leader”, and this is usually a “black mark” on his part.)
Then he said that other «international regional problems» were touched upon — Nagorno-Karabakh, Iran; talked about bilateral cooperation…
At the end of his speech, Putin thanked Macron «for the efforts that France is making under his leadership» to resolve «a very acute, I will not hide, the issue of our relationship with NATO» and «of course, the crisis in the south-east of Ukraine.» “A number of his ideas, proposals, which it is still too early to talk about, nevertheless, I consider it quite possible to lay the foundation for further joint steps,” Putin praised, adding: “Well, let's see how the meeting of Mr. President in Kiev goes … »
Then Macron stepped in and also spoke, mostly harshly, and even “trolled” the Russian president from time to time.
“Mr. President, you just reminded us of Russia's vision, whether it be the Atlantic Alliance, your security interests or the Ukrainian issue. I think everyone noticed that you have a strong vision, which sometimes does not coincide with the vision of the Europeans, the West», but the policy of «open doors» is «vital for countries like Sweden or Finland» (which are not yet in the Alliance, but if you try hard enough, you might as well get in, as Macron hinted).
Then the French president again stated that there was a need to build new conditions that alone would ensure security and stability in the region. But I think that the construction of these new conditions «means neither a revision of the agreements of the last thirty years, nor a revision of our fundamental principles, nor a restriction of the rights of individual (European countries) …».
After that, Macron moved on to «three main themes»: «The first element is the need to work very quickly to avoid any escalation.» “We discussed [these measures] together. They should be confirmed in the coming days and weeks. They depend on exchanges with the United States and NATO, on consultations with the Europeans, and on an exchange of views that I will also have tomorrow with President Zelensky,” Macron said, stressing: “President Putin assured me of his willingness to participate in this process and desire maintain a balance of initiatives, especially with regard to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Zelensky. December, 2021 Photo: Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
“The next few days will be decisive <…>,” the French president added, “but it implies—and I think that this was very clear from what President Putin had just said <…> — that a safe and lasting de-escalation requires progress on fundamental issues.” The foundation for building a “new structure for European security” is the Charter of Paris and subsequent OSCE declarations.
“These rights stemming from sovereignty have been – I have to admit – violated or undermined on our continent. I mean, for example, respect for the territorial integrity of states, non-use of force or threat of force, inviolability of borders, non-interference in internal affairs, <…> respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Macron said, as if telling the history of Russia over the past twenty years.
“It’s always easy to start a new conflict, much harder to end it… That’s why I don’t believe that we are condemned to either choose new rules or choose no rules,” Macron hinted
at Russian threats of a “military-technical response” if NATO and the United States do not implement every single Russian “security proposal”: “Because I know Russia’s attachment to sovereignty and related rights, I am convinced that we can build security and stability in Europe.
The first question was asked by a French journalist. He asked if Macron thinks there is any point in continuing to show the “gestures” he has been making to Russia “for five years” if the result is “both the current crisis” (around Ukraine) and the situation in Mali? And a question for Putin:
“Do you plan to invade Ukraine, and if so, in what form? And on Mali, can you assure President Macron face to face that your government has nothing to do with the mercenaries
located there?”
Putin at first calmly assured that «the Russian state has nothing to do with those companies that operate in Mali.» “As far as we know, there have been no comments from the leadership of Mali regarding the commercial activities of these companies.” “Following the logic of NATO <…>, if Mali makes such a choice <…>, then they have the right to do so,” Putin continued, promising “something else to add to Mr. President (Macron) after the press conference «.
“Regarding the situation in Ukraine, I spoke here a few days ago (at a press conference) with the Prime Minister of Hungary” that Ukraine’s entry into NATO, if Ukraine wishes to return Crimea “by military means”, will lead to war of the Alliance with Russia.
«Do you want France to fight with Russia?!» — Putin scared, urging journalists to turn to readers with this question and thereby creating «a certain tension» among our Western partners.
“They are talking about security guarantees from our side. And who will provide us with security guarantees?! the Russian president continued. Then he switched to NATO again.
Macron began to answer the question by saying that “France’s responsibility, even though“ we have disagreements ”,is to have the strongest possible relations with Russia,“ a European country ” . Macron explained that he was working for a historical perspective, even if there is “an element of ingratitude” on the part of his contemporaries.
Kommersant's Kolesnikov asked Putin: «How do you assess the prospects for a settlement in southeastern Ukraine — that is, roughly speaking, do you think that the Minsk agreements are still alive?» And a question to the President of France: “What message are you flying to Kiev, given the recent statements from there that the Minsk agreements, if they are implemented <…> destroy Ukrainian statehood”?
Putin habitually answered Kolesnikov’s sharp question that there was “no alternative” to the Minsk agreements. Putin said: «The current president (of Ukraine) recently said that he did not like a single point.»
“Well, like it, don’t like it — be patient, my beauty!” — Vladimir Vladimirovich once again showed his knowledge in the field of folk culture, and, smiling, added: “We must fulfill it! It won't work any other way.»
Macron began his response by saying that «Firstly, today Zelensky is the president of a country on whose borders there are 125,000 Russian soldiers»,
and yet, “in a concert of international political commentary, President Zelensky is one of those who show remarkable composure,” and “I want to applaud that.” “And when I talk about de-escalation, I’m talking about [the withdrawal of troops], whether it’s the Russian or Belarusian border…” “The solution to the crisis can only be political” and the main format is Normandy, where, let me remind you, Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany». Unlike Putin, who habitually called the war in Donbass an “internal Ukrainian crisis” several times before, Macron specifically emphasized that this is a “Russian-Ukrainian conflict.”
Then the French journalist asked in what capacity (whether only the President of France or the representative of the EU) Macron came, and whether Putin considers Macron «the only interlocutor in Europe.» And she asked the President of France to speak out about the presence of Wagner PMCs in Mali.
But for some reason, Putin again began to answer the last question: “I already said about Wagner. I said that the Russian state has nothing to do with this. I say this completely responsibly, without any … ulterior motives. “As for the first part of the question, I said, but I would like you to convey this to your readers and viewers, and users: well, you understand that if Ukraine is in NATO” — and further in the text about the “need” in in this case, to fight with Russia — although no one asked Putin about Ukraine and NATO.
But he began to say that although «NATO's military potential is incomparable» with Russia's and «we understand this», but «we must not forget that Russia is one of the leading nuclear powers.»