French President Emmanuel Macron. File
| Photograph Credit score: AP
Vladimir Putin’s struggle in opposition to Ukraine is a “triple failure for Russia”, President Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) to mark the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the Western-backed nation.
Tons of of hundreds have died since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, unleashing the deadliest struggle on European soil since World Battle II.
“This struggle is a triple failure for Russia: militarily, economically and strategically,” Mr. Macron stated on X.
“Someday, Russians will realise the enormity of the crime dedicated of their identify, the futility of the pretexts invoked and the devastating long-term results on their nation.”
Mr. Macron stated Ukraine had resisted regardless of every thing. “4 years of lives shattered, of violence, rape, torture, struggle crimes and terror,” he stated. “However 4 years through which Ukraine has held on and resisted.”
Chatting with his counterparts within the so-called Coalition of the Prepared backing Kyiv later Tuesday (February 24, 2026), Macron warned nevertheless that he was “sceptical” there could be “short-term peace” for Ukraine.
“It’s good to proceed these peace speak initiatives,” he stated, however added “there is no such thing as a willingness on the Russian facet to attain peace”.
Earlier, Mr. Macron stated that greater than 1.2 million Russian troopers had been wounded or killed. “That is the very best variety of Russian fight casualties because the Second World Battle,” he added.
The struggle, he added, “has strengthened NATO, whose growth it sought to stop, united Europeans whom it wished to weaken, and laid naked the fragility of an imperialism from one other age.”
Mr. Macron pledged continued assist for Ukraine and extra sanctions in opposition to Russia. “In order that Ukraine can maintain out and in order that Russia understands that point shouldn’t be on its facet,” he added. “To those that suppose they will rely on our fatigue: they’re mistaken.”
Mr. Macron was to co-chair a brand new assembly of Ukraine’s allies on Tuesday (February 24, 2026). “At the moment’s new assembly should permit us to proceed transferring ahead,” he stated.
Talks between Russia and Ukraine, relaunched final yr by the USA, have thus far didn’t halt the combating.
Printed – February 24, 2026 06:57 pm IST