Putin Responds to Macron's Proposal for Ceasefire with Kyiv During Olympic Games

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced during a press conference that Russia is ready to discuss any issues regarding the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, but will be guided by its interests and will not take a pause during which the adversary may rearm.

“I don’t know about the French president’s statement; we are ready to discuss any question, but always, in any situation, we will be guided by the interests of the Russian Federation,” he commented on a journalist's words that the French president had proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Paris Olympics.

Putin reiterated that Moscow is in favor of peaceful negotiations, but not because the adversary's ammunition is running out. “We are in favor if they really want to build peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries in the long term, rather than rearming for one and a half to two years,” he said.

At the same time, Putin described Macron's statements about the potential presence of Western troops in Ukraine as a means for the French president to cover up internal political issues, calling it a well-known tactic often used worldwide.

Responding to a Reuters question about the possibility of conflict with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, he said that in the modern world, anything is possible, but warned that it would be one step away from a large-scale Third World War.

Putin stated he agreed to exchange Navalny, wishing that France would play a role not leading to the escalation of conflict (in Ukraine), but rather, conversely, not provoking the situation. This also concerns possible peaceful resolutions. In this regard, it seems to me that France could play its role. All is not yet lost,” he stated.

In an interview with Ukrainian media on March 17, Emmanuel Macron reminded about the International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow Russian athletes to participate in the Olympic Games under a neutral status. The Ukrainian journalist noted that the French president should demand that Russia cease fire during the competitions. Macron said he would ask about this.