Macron Says Will Propose Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict for Duration of Paris Olympics

Sputnik News ^ | 3/16/24

[marshmallow]

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - France will propose a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict for the duration of the Olympic Games in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron said, adding that Paris is ready to react if the conflict escalates, but will not initiate aggression.

"We will ask for it," Macron said in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels when asked if he would offer Russia a ceasefire for the duration of the Olympics. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.

He also said he was ready to discuss proposals to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I will pick up the phone [if Putin calls]. That is my responsibility and I will listen to what he proposes. France's role [in the Ukraine conflict] is to be the 'nerve of the war' ... On the one hand, it is necessary to transfer to Ukraine everything necessary to strengthen its defense capabilities, military equipment, but at the same time to promote de-escalation ... If Putin wants to offer something, I will listen to his proposal," the French president said.

Macron added that Paris was ready to react in case of escalation in Ukraine, but will not be the initiator of aggression.

"We are ready for any challenge, if there is another round of escalation on the part of Russia, we will be ready to react for the safety of Ukraine and the Europeans, but France will not be the first to initiate aggression," he said.

Following a Paris-hosted conference on Ukraine in late February, Macron said Western leaders had discussed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine and, although no consensus had been reached in this regard, nothing could be ruled out.

The statement received widespread criticism with most EU members, including Germany, the Czech........

[ridesthemiles]

HOW much publicity has been given to the fact that Paris is building OLYMPIC VILLAGE with NO AIR CONDITIONING ??????