The reactions of Western states and the UN are unanimous. Russia was guilty of a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty by announcing the dispatch of troops to the separatist regions of Donbass on Monday evening, which it recognized as independent territory. The European Union will then decide on Tuesday on the first sanctions against Russia.
On the side of French politics, this escalation in the conflict which has worsened since November is an opportunity for the candidates for the presidential election to position themselves and offer themselves a presidential position on international issues. All took their pen to react in more or less long and argued texts. While the majority pleads for unfailing solidarity with Ukraine, some, particularly among the extremes, qualify and believe that Russia may have legitimate concerns for its security vis-à-vis the expansion of NATO to its borders.
- Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemns without taking sides
Take the side of France to avoid taking the side of the Russians or the Americans. “To seriously take stock requires that we start from the only point of view that is worthwhile in times of crisis: the interest of our country”, writes the president of La France insoumise and candidate for the presidential election in a communicated released overnight.
After returning to these “endless” wars and the poor negotiation of the borders at the fall of the USSR, Jean-Luc Mélenchon makes an observation: Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the independence of the Donbass regions is “a very bad business for the French”. “Respect for borders, whatever they are, is a basic condition of an international life where diplomacy and the United Nations decide rather than weapons and force,” he says.
Nevertheless, according to him, “an American decision to integrate Ukraine into NATO” would be “another bad deal for us French people who have no interest in the extension of the military domination of the USA and their interests over our continent.” And if the presidential candidate considers that Russia can legitimately fear that the United States has already decided to integrate Ukraine, “the fact remains that it is an escalation, and that Russia bears the responsibility and that ‘it must be condemned in our well-understood interest.
- Fabien Roussel condemns an “extremely serious” decision
The Communist Party candidate takes a tougher stance in a shorter statement. On his Twitter account, Fabien Roussel published: “The recognition of the independence of the two separatist Republics of Ukraine by the Russian President is an extremely serious and dangerous decision! Everything must be done to defuse this war which threatens the gates of the ‘Europe!’.
Without going into the details of the disagreements between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden concerning Ukraine’s entry into NATO, the deputy from the North clearly takes a position against the war and for a diplomatic solution between the countries involved.
- Christiane Taubira in solidarity with Ukraine
Same tone with Christiane Taubira who takes a stand for a diplomatic compromise than force. Nevertheless, according to her, Europe must remain united with its Ukrainian neighbour.
For the left-wing candidate who won the popular Primary, “Russia chooses force and a fait accompli,” she wrote on her Twitter account. “We are facing a serious danger, she continues. The solidarity of European states with Ukraine must not fail. Even if diplomacy must continue to work.”
- Anne Hidalgo condemns a “threat to peace”
Also on social networks, the mayor of Paris and candidate of the Socialist Party in the presidential election also defends Kiev in the face of a “violation of international law” on the part of Moscow. It also calls on France and Europe to defend Ukraine.
“Vladimir Putin’s unilateral decision constitutes a violation of international law and of Ukraine’s sovereignty. France and Europe must stand together, united and firm in the face of this threat to peace in Europe,” he said. she published.
- Valérie Pécresse asks for a strategy for peace
Asked about France Inter, the Republican presidential candidate also strongly condemned Moscow’s decision, while criticizing an attempt by France to de-escalate too late, and not concerted enough with the European allies. “Diplomacy is knowing how to build alliances and a network of influence. Emmanuel Macron conducted an arrogant and solitary diplomacy,” she criticized.
“I strongly condemn this violation of international law, she said again. We cannot blame the President of the Republic for having tried to dialogue with Putin, but this dialogue was too late and solitary. It is time for the EU defines a strategy for peace in Europe.”
- Marine Le Pen targets Emmanuel Macron
The candidate of the Rassemblent national deplored that Emmanuel Macron had “made communication” in his talks with Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, accusing him of having “wanted to use a diplomatic success to enter the campaign”. “Emmanuel Macron sought to use this diplomatic sequence to support an entry into the campaign”, said on RTL Marine Le Pen, after the Russian President’s decision to order his troops to enter separatist territories in eastern Ukraine.
“I saw photos of Emmanuel Macron unshaven, his head in his hands, it’s all very artistic, but it’s not serious to communicate on these subjects,” he said. she lamented. “This is the reason why, because of this failure, he is postponing his entry into the campaign (…)”, added Marine Le Pen. “We even wondered if he was really President of the Republic in this sequence or if he was trying to be a Nobel Peace Prize”.
The MP for Pas-de-Calais also felt that “the act of escalation is really regrettable but it is not final”. “My message would be to bring all the actors around the table, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, etc.” , she added, believing that “a war can always be avoided”.
- Russian but also Western responsibility for Eric Zemmour
A bit like Jean-Luc Mélenchon, if Eric Zemmour condemns a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty by Russia, he believes that this decision is also the result “of the policy pursued by the West and NATO which consistently ignored Russia’s legitimate security concerns.”
The candidate of the Reconquest party then castigates the decision to impose sanctions against Moscow which, according to him, go “not only against our economic interests, but that they are also ineffective”. Eric Zemmour then recalls that if he is elected next April, he will propose the negotiation of “a treaty consecrating the end of the expansion of NATO”, thus responding to the wishes of the Russians.