Macron: Russia Can Be Considered an Imperialist Country with an Authoritarian Regime

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated in an interview with Ukrainian television on Saturday that his country will ask Russia to cease hostilities and establish a ceasefire during the Summer Olympics in Paris. According to Politico, Macron mentioned that France is making this request as a 'message of peace' in line with the spirit of the Olympics. The Paris Olympics will begin on July 26 and last for about two and a half weeks, with approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 countries participating. Macron affirmed that France respects the Olympic Committee's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag, adding that 'we will closely monitor their performance to ensure that no one exploits the athletes in this situation.' The French President also did not directly answer whether he would recognize the outcome of the Russian presidential election, which is expected to be won again by Vladimir Putin. However, he described Russia as a country that can be considered 'imperialist and [having] an authoritarian regime' that kills its political opponents and fights with its neighbors. Macron reiterated the possibility of a ground confrontation involving the 'Weimar Triangle' with Russia 'if necessary.' Ukraine attacked a refinery in the Samara region on the second day of the Russian presidential elections.