French President Emmanuel Macron said that it is very important not to humiliate Russia so that when the fighting in Ukraine stops, a diplomatic solution can be found. He said this in an interview with regional newspapers published Saturday, Reuters reported.
Macron has tried to maintain a dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. His stance has been repeatedly criticized by some countries in Europe because they see it as undermining efforts to pressure Putin.
"We should not humiliate Russia so that on the day the fighting stops, we can build an exit ramp by diplomatic means," Macron said.
"I am convinced that France's role is to be a mediating state," he added.
Macron has been in regular contact with Putin since the invasion as part of efforts to bring about a cease-fire and start talks between Kiev and Moscow.
"I think, and I told him, that he is making a historic and fundamental mistake for his people, for himself and for history," Macron said.
France supports Ukraine militarily and financially, but since the war began, Macron has not been to Kiev like other EU leaders, something Ukraine wanted him to do. Macron said he did not rule out such a trip.
