French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of backing war instead of pursuing peace, following what Macron described as “belligerent” remarks made by Putin during a Moscow parade commemorating Victory in World War II.
“President Putin is on the side of war, not the side of peace,” Macron stated during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
“The belligerent comments that he made, the reality of every day, only underline that.”
Macron’s remarks come as the United States continues efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine amid a protracted conflict that shows no signs of abating.
Putin’s speech at the Red Square event was widely seen as a reaffirmation of his hardline stance in the ongoing war, even as Western leaders intensify diplomatic pressure for de-escalation.
