DrThe French initiative to negotiate with Russia and a new European security architecture was rejected by the German ruling coalition. “Macron’s words are surprising,” Nils Schmid, foreign policy spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party in the Bundestag, told WELT. NATO has never threatened Russia, but has created a common framework on security issues with the NATO-Russia Establishment Act.
In addition, there with Paris Charter The OSCE is a pan-European security structure that promised extensive security guarantees to all European countries, including Russia, but „Putin was badly damaged by one.” „Now it is important to ensure European security vis-a-vis and against Russia,” Schmid said. „As long as Russia pursues an imperialist foreign policy, a pan-European peace regime that includes Russia is not possible.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a television interview broadcast on Saturday that Europe should prepare a new security architecture. „One of the main issues we need to address, as President Putin has always said, is the fear of NATO approaching Russia’s doors and deploying weapons that could threaten Russia,” Macron said. This issue will be part of the peace issues. That is why we need to determine what we are willing to do, how to protect our partners and member states, and how to provide guarantees to Russia once it returns to the negotiating table.”
The foreign politician of the Free Democratic Party, Ulrich Licht, acknowledged Macron’s motives, but considered his proposals to be wrong. President Macron wants to end the terrible war through diplomacy. A good initiative, but the readiness of Russia and Ukraine is the main condition for such negotiations. Aggression has always come from Moscow. He told WELT: „One must not confirm the tyrant’s narratives through mind games, but confront them decisively with clarity.”
The war in Ukraine can finally be ended through negotiations. From my point of view, Macron would like to be prepared for all possibilities and discuss different scenarios.” By deploying nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad in recent years, “Russia has threatened NATO, and not the other way around.”
Macron’s proposals 'extremely problematic’
Foreign Green politician Jürgen Tritten told WELT: “It is true that this war will end through negotiations. Macron and Biden’s statements show that it is not in the interest of the United States or Europe to enter this war into an endless cycle. The people of Ukraine are the ones who will suffer. But it is also true that Russia is not currently interested in negotiations. “Security guarantees are important – but they are not one-sided. Those who demand them must first clarify the security guarantees promised to Ukraine.”
In sharper words, the opposition union rejects Paris’ ideas. For CDU foreign politician Johan Wadphul, French President Macron’s proposals are highly problematic. Talks about this must urgently take place in the EU and NATO.” Macron “turns things on its head” because Ukraine first needs security guarantees. “Above all, he unfortunately encourages Russian propaganda when he portrays NATO as a source of security concerns.” NATO is a “purely defensive” alliance. Putin has destroyed any faith in a resilient security architecture.
The two smaller opposition parties on the left and right in parliament see things differently. „It is a sign of the inadequacy of the Traffic Light Coalition that this long overdue progress is coming from Paris, not Berlin,” AfD parliamentary group leader Tino Shrupala told WELT. In order to bring Russia to the negotiating table, Germany and France must stop arms deliveries to Ukraine and stop sanctions against Russia. Macron rightly indicates that Russia’s legitimate security interests must be taken into account. Lasting relief of the crisis can only be achieved through Ukraine’s neutrality. This excludes membership in NATO.
Jean Cort, parliamentary director of the Left Party, Welt, said: “Macron’s proposals must be studied and discussed intensively. Unlike the federal government, the French president seems to be thinking about how to achieve peace and a reasonable security structure in Europe.”
Russia and the United States have again announced their willingness to hold talks this week. However, US President Joe Biden stated as a condition that Putin agree to a cessation of hostilities. Ukraine has said negotiations will only be possible if Russia withdraws its forces from the country.
„Kick-off Politics” is WELT’s daily news podcast. Top topic analyzed by WELT editors and today’s dates. Subscribe to the podcast at SpotifyAnd the Apple PodcastAnd the Amazon Music or directly via an RSS feed.
