French president favours continued dialogue with Russia amid tensions in Ukraine

Europe should continue to dialogue with Russia, especially in light of emerging words about the deployment of European troops in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron told La Tribune newspaper, RBC reports.

The French leader noted that the conflict in Ukraine has put Europe's security at stake, as the country is close to European countries.

"If Russia wins, in the next second there will no longer be any security in Romania, Poland, Lithuania or our country," Macron added.

He specified that the capabilities and range of Russian ballistic missiles put all European states in danger.

In response to a journalist saying that Macron's words about the possible deployment of a military contingent in Ukraine were called a "very dangerous statement" by the Kremlin, the French president said he was pursuing the right policy.

"Russia's agitation shows that we are right not to close any doors for it. Otherwise, we would have abandoned the international order and therefore peace and security," Macron said.

Macron has repeatedly argued that Europe needs to keep the possibility of dialog with Russia alive. In January 2023, he said he intended to continue talks with Russian authorities, although other leaders criticized him for maintaining contacts with Moscow. At the time, Macron emphasized that ensuring peace is a shared responsibility.