Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron has successfully shifted the narrative on NATO's involvement in Ukraine, advocating for a more assertive stance and rallying European support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, including Crimea.

Abstract

In a significant turn of events, Emmanuel Macron has managed to pivot the conversation around NATO's role in Ukraine from one of caution to one of active engagement. Despite initial resistance from NATO members, Macron's diplomatic efforts have garnered support from key European leaders, advocating for a potential NATO troop presence in Ukraine. His strategy has been clear and deliberate, focusing on rallying both domestic and international support by communicating directly with the people and outlining a vision of peace that does not compromise Ukraine's sovereignty. Macron's approach has brought much-needed clarity to the situation, setting a defined goal for victory and leaving little room for ambiguity. His recent actions and statements suggest a commitment to a just peace, one that involves Ukraine's return to its 1991 borders, while also keeping the door open for negotiations with Russia.

Opinions

The author acknowledges Macron's strategic execution and the clarity of his vision, which has resonated with the public and shifted the stance on allied support for Ukraine.
Macron's ability to communicate and rally the French people is seen as a key strength, reminiscent of Charles De Gaulle's leadership during World War II.
The author contrasts Macron's approach with that of U.S. President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who are perceived as addressing the media rather than the public.
There is a recognition of Macron's success in confusing the Russian side and limiting their options, particularly with his timing and the clarity of his objectives.
The author suggests that Macron's actions have put right-wing parties in Europe and the Kremlin in a difficult position, as they struggle to counter his influence and the lack of red lines in his strategy.
Macron's readiness to negotiate while also advocating for Ukraine's territorial integrity and defense capabilities is seen as a balanced approach to achieving peace.
The author commends Macron for his timing in making bold moves during Russia's voting period, demonstrating strategic acumen.
The author criticizes Western media's coverage of the war in Ukraine and has decided to make their own Ukraine stories publicly accessible, without a paywall.

How Macron Messed up Putin’s Plans

He normalized NATO troops in Ukraine in two weeks

When France’s Chief of the Defense Staff General Thierry Burkhard wrote to nearly half of all NATO members last month requesting their views on sending troops to support Ukraine, the response was a huge and collective ‘NO’.

Fast forward to mid-march, the who’s who of Europe rallied fully in favor of Macron and his position on Ukraine. (sorry, can’t include the multi-party all over the place Germany on this list)

“I am in favor of looking for new ways, including continuing the discussion about a possible presence in Ukraine. Let’s not limit ourselves where we don’t need to, ”said Petr Pavel President of the Czech Republic.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said “I welcomed the idea of sending missions to Ukrainian territory as an idea, and I still believe that we should discuss this idea”.

I didn’t spend my time looking at Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’ statement on this one. You don’t need to either. Just draw the line of justice; she will end up standing on the right side. So, there’s no need to run around.

From pondering for more than six months about sending tanks to Ukraine, in a matter of two weeks, Emmanuel Macron completely reshaped the discussion on allied support for Ukraine. We are still not there at the ‘no more red lines ever’ stance, but a ceiling has already been broken.

To be honest, I really didn’t want to put my faith in the French President. I prefer action over words. However, the more I delve into his actions, the clearer and more deliberate his strategy to execute appears.

He who cannot convince his family cannot lead.

The issue with U.S. President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is that they address the media as if it were their audience. It’s not. They should utilize the media to communicate with the people of their respective countries.

You need to speak to the people. You need to first rally them behind you. This requires clarity on how you are going to proceed.

Charles De Gaulle sought to uplift the French spirits after the fall of France to the Nazis, in one of his famous radio broadcasts from London, he declared, ‘France has lost a battle, but France has not lost the war’.

It struck a chord.

He subtly conveyed the message that France would fight and emerge victorious. In times of confusion, people gravitate towards clarity, and that’s precisely what Macron brought to the table. He isn’t merely addressing the media; if you examine his statements, you’ll observe that he is primarily speaking to his fellow countrymen.

“But if we decided to be weak; if we decided today that we would not respond, it would be choosing defeat already. And I don’t want that. Peace does not mean the capitulation of Ukraine,” Macron said.

“Wanting peace does not mean defeat. Wanting peace does not mean dropping Ukraine,” he said.

The French President said that France would never initiate an offensive against Russia, and that Paris was not at war with Moscow, despite the fact that Russia had launched aggressive attacks against French interests in and outside France.

He did not say the coalition will never initiate an offensive against Russia. He did not say NATO will never initiate an offensive against Russia. He said France would never initiate an offensive against Russia.

He personalized the issue for France, addressing his fellow countrymen directly. This isn’t merely a man seeking temporary headlines before moving on to the next issue. He comprehends the significance of garnering the support of the French people. If he acknowledges its importance, then his commitment is genuine.

He’s building momentum domestically. I’m uncertain whether he’s working the phone lines to capitals in Europe. It’s entirely possible that he’s utilizing the media to communicate with his countrymen and the rest of the world, all while conducting substantial efforts behind the scenes.

But either way, he has brought a lot of clarity to the table. He hasn’t left you, me, Ukrainians, and everyone else to exercise any ambiguity. He has defined victory in clear terms: Ukraine must return to the 1991 borders, including Crimea.

Now, hear this from the trench line filled with Ukrainian troops. Hear this from the Russian trench line in occupied territory. Do you feel the difference?

He has done the first phase of his job to near perfection. He convinced people to believe him and he made the Russians utterly confused.

He asked for Europeans to give him a chance. And he now has it.

He has thoroughly examined this from every possible angle, particularly considering the perspectives from which local politicians and the Kremlin might challenge him. If he succeeds in rallying Europe to operate without red lines, what options do the Kremlin and right-wing parties in Europe have to counter him?

They can attack him as some one seeking war. Macron was ready. Hear him out:

“I will pick up the phone if Putin calls me. It is my responsibility and I will listen to what he offers. We need to reach a permanent, sustainable and just peace. And if Putin wants to offer something, I will listen to his offer… But the real negotiations about only Putin and Zelensky should lead the end of the war.”
“On the one hand, it is necessary to transfer to Ukraine everything necessary to strengthen its defense capabilities, military equipment, but at the same time promote de-escalation.”
“Our goal is that Russia should not win. But our goal is also to return peace to Europe. We have no limits and we will react depending on how Russia reacts.”
“Ukraine must go to the point when negotiations will be possible. But the territorial integrity of Ukraine will be a fundamental value.”

He is talking both sides. He is saying no more red lines. He is saying Ukraine has to get back Crimea and return to 1991 borders. He is also saying that he is more than ready for negotiations.

Just like Putin. We are ready to negotiate. But we wont stop just because Ukraine is running out of ammo.

He has left Vladimir Putin not a lot of options to work with. And the timing….when he chose to do all of this, to break the glass jar when Russia went to vote…. I have to give it to Macron.

The way Western media covers the war against Ukraine has gone off-track. As a result, I have decided to make my Ukraine stories public, without placing them behind the paywall.