Macron’s statement about “security guarantees for Russia” is an old Russian narrative – ISW

French President Emmanuel Macron stated the need for security guarantees for Russia if Vladimir Putin agrees to negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Analysts of the Institute for the Study of War believe that “Russia’s demand for ‘security guarantees’ is part of a large Russian information operation in which NATO is portrayed as a provocateur of the invasion of Ukraine.”

Photo: French President’s Press-Office

Macron’s statement suits Russian information operation

They also believe that the “security guarantees” that Ukraine, NATO, and the rest of Europe will accept from Russia after an unprovoked and brutal war may be a more appropriate topic for Western leaders planning talks with Moscow.

Macron mentioned a need for “security guarantees” for Russia to end the war

In his interview on December 3, Macron said that the West should think about how to address “security guarantees” for Russia. He also noted that this is possible only after Vladimir Putin agrees to talk about ending the war in Ukraine.

“That topic will be part of the topics for peace, so we need to prepare what we are ready to do, how we protect our allies and member states, and how to give guarantees to Russia the day it returns to the negotiating table,” Macron declared.

Macron said that preparing the future security architecture means that one of the essential issues that Europe must address is: “As President Putin has always said, the fear that NATO is coming to its door and the deployment of weapons that could threaten Russia.”

“Security guarantees” topic is part of Russia’s anti-West narrative

The Russian request for purported “security guarantees” is a component of a more extensive Russian information campaign that targets the West and accuses NATO of inciting the 2022 Russian invasion by posing a threat to Russia. 

During the ongoing war, when Russian troops are still in Ukraine, it would be appropriate for Western leaders to consider negotiations with Moscow to discuss the security guarantees for Ukraine that Kyiv and the EU would accept from Moscow following Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.

Ukraine reacted to Macron’s declaration

MP of Ukraine and head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, responded to Macron’s scandalous statement. Mr. Arakhamia stressed that Ukraine is ready to provide Russia with security guarantees.

According to him, Moscow troops must leave the territory of Ukraine; Russia must pay reparations; all war criminals must be punished; Russia needs to surrender nuclear weapons voluntarily.

Macron wants to call Putin

The day before, Macron said he wanted to call Vladimir Putin again. This time he wants to talk about the situation at Zaporizhzhia’s nuclear power plant. At the same time, the French leader wants to get in touch with Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA.

Before the phone conversation with the Russian dictator, the French President will talk to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In meeting with Biden, Macron promised more support for Ukraine

During a meeting in Washington, US President Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron discussed another assistance for our country. In particular, they promised to provide Ukraine with air defense systems and equipment necessary to repair the energy grid.