French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed doubt that his former American counterpart will be able to secure another term at the White House, when asked who could potentially mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Macron called Moscow “an adversary,” but stopped short of declaring it an “enemy,” during an interview with France 2 and TF1 TV channels on Thursday. He once again refused to rule out the possibility of NATO deployments in Ukraine, reiterating that Paris is ready to make any “decisions necessary to prevent Russia’s victory” – and noting that he sees no opportunities for negotiations with the Kremlin at this point.
“I am absolutely ready for discussions at any time, but we need someone sincere and peace-oriented to do that,” Macron said, adding that he hoped that the time would come one day to negotiate with a Russian president “whoever it might be.”
Noting Macron’s reluctance to engage in direct communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the interviewers wondered if the United States could potentially mediate such talks, especially if Donald Trump is reelected.
“As far as I’m informed, I don’t think Donald Trump will become President of the United States,” the French leader claimed.
At the same time Macron said there was “nothing personal” behind his decision to refrain from dialogue with Putin. “Undoubtedly, I am the head of the state that used to talk to him more than anyone else.”
Back in January, Macron said he would deal with whoever wins the US election, claiming “I’ve always had the same philosophy, I take the leaders that people give me.”
US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set for a rematch in November, with recent polls showing Trump leading his incumbent rival by between two and nine points. If voted back, Trump promised to end the Ukrainian conflict “in 24 hours” by applying pressure on stakeholders. Meanwhile Russia is holding its own presidential election this weekend, in which Vladimir Putin faces three opponents.
READ MORE: Polls open in Russian presidential election
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