Macron wants China to help bring Ukraine and Russia to negotiating table

Bloomberg reported the information, citing its sources.

The French leader reportedly instructed his foreign policy adviser Emmanuel Bonne to work with China's chief diplomat Wang Yi to create a framework that could be used as a basis for future negotiations.

According to the French plan, Ukraine and Russia should start negotiations this summer if "all goes well."

During his recent trip to China, Macron did not achieve his goal of convincing Chinese President Xi Jinping to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They have not spoken since the start of the full-scale war. Macron also angered allies last year by saying that the West should not "humiliate" Russia.

A spokesperson for Macron's office confirmed that Bonne plans to speak with Wang Yi, but declined to comment on the details, adding that France's allies have been informed of any French initiative. When asked, China's Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the information’s source.

Any future talks will depend on several conditions, including a successful spring offensive by Ukraine, which people believe will put Kyiv in a position of strength during any negotiations.

Bloomberg adds that some European officials are concerned that expectations are being set dangerously high for any Ukrainian counteroffensive, which may not be decisive enough for Ukraine to liberate all of the territories occupied by Russia. A more realistic goal is to advance 30 kilometers in the south. This would allow Ukraine's artillery to be placed within range of Russian supply lines and create conditions for a deeper breakthrough in 2024.

Macron has previously stated that he sees an important role for China and that through its relations with Russia, China could "bring Moscow back to reason." So far, however, Beijing has shown no signs of being willing to pressure Moscow to withdraw its troops.

According to Bloomberg’s sources, Macron's plan will be based on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be aimed at deterring Russia from future acts of aggression.

• Politicians in Germany and the Czech Republic criticized Macron's words about Europe's dependence on the US. 

• The Polish Foreign Ministry said that Macron's words about Europe and the US indicate an incorrect assessment of reality.