“Russia is an imperialist power that violates international law,” said the French president Emmanuel Macron during a televised interview he gave, stressing that providing aid to Ukraine “means protecting our rights, the national sovereignty of Ukrainians and their territorial integrity.”

“Peace cannot be the capitulation of Ukraine and must come through negotiations,” he stressed, adding that this moment has not arrived because Russia “continues to move aggressively.” The French president also said that Russia shows no tendency to hold back and that if it were not for the West’s reaction, Ukraine would already be a Russian satellite.

Emmanuel Macron also said that France would continue its aid to Ukraine, pointing out that “we don’t want the war to escalate.” He also said that France would give Ukraine Mirage 2000-5, without specifying the number, and that it would train pilots and military personnel.

On the question of the possible sending of military trainers to Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron said that “there should be no taboo on this matter”. Asked about the arrest of a Frenchman in Russia, the French head of state confirmed the information by clarifying: “A compatriot of ours was arrested in Russia and because many things have been said by the Russian authorities about him, he is one of our compatriots who works in a Swiss non-governmental organization founded by the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, and engaged in diplomacy. In no way is he someone who worked or is working for France.”

Asked about the situation in Gaza, the French president reiterated his desire for a ceasefire and that he supports the American plan.

As for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron said he was “a perfectly legitimate interlocutor”, even if he could be indicted by the International Criminal Court. “The orders have not yet been issued,” he reminded. Regarding the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state, the French president said that France is in favor but that the right time has not yet arrived.

Finally, ahead of the European elections, Macron called on the French to go to the polls en masse, stressing that in addition to the fight against abstention, there is also the fight against the extreme right. “If tomorrow France sends a very large far-right delegation, if other major countries do, Europe may find itself blocked,” Emmanuel Macron pointed out.