Macron advisers receive blunt Kremlin rebuff during Moscow talks on Ukraine

Diplomatic sources speaking to the Financial Times said advisers to French President Emmanuel Macron received a blunt response from the Kremlin during a visit to Moscow in February. The officials involved were Macron’s advisers Emmanuel Bonne and Bertrand Buchwalter.

According to the sources, the French delegation told Russian officials that Europe should also be included in negotiations concerning Ukraine.

Macron’s representatives said the European Union would not support a ceasefire agreement negotiated without European participation. European officials emphasized that such an agreement concerns the security of the entire region.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov rejected the proposal in stark terms. According to a senior European diplomat familiar with the discussion, Ushakov responded with coarse language and told the French delegation during the meeting: “I’m sorry, but no, go *** yourselves.”

Kremlin accuses Europe of obstructing the process

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed to the Financial Times that the sides failed to find common ground.

“Europeans do not want to help the peace process. The representative from France did not bring any positive message. Therefore it was impossible for him to hear a positive response,” Peskov said.

The Kremlin spokesperson also said European governments are trying to persuade Ukraine to continue the war.

Ukraine peace process at risk

Sources speaking to the Financial Times said the diplomatic track on Ukraine has effectively stalled. According to the report, the Washington administration has shifted its focus to a potential military operation against Iran.

The most recent round of trilateral consultations on Ukraine took place in Geneva on Feb. 17 and 18. The next meeting, planned for March 5 in Abu Dhabi, was postponed because of the conflict in the Middle East. A new date for the talks has not yet been set.

A senior European official with knowledge of the matter said: “The Ukraine negotiations are at serious risk.”

The same official also said US President Donald Trump’s interest in the mediation process has diminished. The war involving Iran has also eased pressure on Russia.

According to the same sources, rising oil prices have provided the Kremlin with an economic advantage, some American sanctions have been suspended and the Pentagon’s arsenal has begun to deplete rapidly. This situation is directly affecting weapons deliveries to Ukraine.