Published February 17,2023
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French President Emmanuel Macron appeared on Friday to toughen his stance in direction of Moscow, urging allies to step up navy help for Ukraine to assist it push again Russia’s invasion since now was not the time for dialogue with Moscow.
Macron has drawn criticism amongst some NATO allies for delivering blended messages concerning his coverage on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with some contemplating Paris a weak hyperlink within the Western alliance.
On Friday, he sought to straighten the course.
“The time is not for dialogue with Russia,” he mentioned in a speech to the Munich Security Conference, including that Russia’s virtually one-year-old invasion of its neighbour “had to fail.”
He sought to make it clear that, for now, he could be doubling down on French help for Kyiv.
“We absolutely need to intensify our support and our effort to the resistance of the Ukrainian people and its army and help them to launch a counter-offensive which alone can allow credible negotiations, determined by Ukraine, its authorities and its people,” he mentioned.
“We are ready today to intensify (our efforts) and we are ready for an extended conflict .. It is the only way to bring Russia back to the table and build a lasting peace.”
If Europe is to be in it for the lengthy haul, Macron mentioned, the bloc must put money into rearmament, and shift provide chains again to the continent and away from non-EU companions.
He known as for the EU to provide you with a joint defence funding programme by the summer season in order that it might take care of its personal pursuits.
“If Europe wants to defend Europe it must arm itself, take advantage of NATO inter-operability, but also accelerate its capacity to produce on European soil,” he mentioned.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
