Senator Alexey PushkovMOSCOW, 8 Feb. Senator Alexei Pushkov commented on the words of the French presidential candidate from the «Republicans» party Valerie Pekress, who switched to Russian during a television interview. On the France 2 TV channel, the politician called on the people of Russia «to build peace in Europe together», stating that «to start a war with Ukraine would be a terrible mistake.» «A lot of words are said about the importance of relations with Russia — however, very little is being done. As if Europe is being led in a completely different direction by some powerful invisible force. Or still visible, and its name — an anti-Russian liberal international?» — Pushkov wrote in his Telegram channel. Kiev and Western states have recently been constantly declaring that Russia is stepping up «aggressive actions» near the borders of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied such accusations, saying it does not threaten anyone or intend to attack anyone, and claims of «aggression» are being used as an excuse to deploy more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Western statements about «Russian aggression» and the possibility of helping Kiev defend itself against it are both ridiculous and dangerous. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not worry anyone. The presidential elections in France will be held in April 2022. A number of candidates have already declared their desire to run for the presidency. In addition to Pecresse, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, Marine Le Pen, the journalist and writer Eric Zemmour, the founder of the Reconquest party, the head of the left-wing Rebel France party, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a member of the Europe-Ecology-Greens party, were nominated for the presidency. Yannick Jadot, National Secretary of the Communist Party Fabien Roussel, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo (Socialists), former Minister of Justice of France Christian Tobira. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron has not yet officially announced his participation in the presidential race.
