Macron-Scholz meeting: the Franco-German couple united in the face of the Ukrainian crisis

William Molinié, edited by Solène Delinger 7:46 p.m., January 25, 2022, modified at 7:48 p.m., January 25, 2022

DECRYPTION

While Europe is struggling to speak with one voice about the Ukrainian crisis, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz showed their unity this Tuesday evening in Berlin.

The President of the Republic, traveling to Berlin, and Angela Merkel's successor have both called for de-escalation. 

Europe at the center of the showdown between Biden and Putin

A few minutes ago, the two heads of state held a joint press conference.

The Franco-German couple intends to put Europe back at the center of the showdown between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, with one objective: de-escalation.

This is what Emmanuel Macron said from Berlin.

"As you have perfectly said, dear Olaf, we both call very strongly for a de-escalation of tensions through a demanding dialogue with Russia and to work for stability through a political solution on the issue. Donbass and the situation in Ukraine", declared the President of the Republic. 

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Macron considers a response

Firmness is one of the challenges of this interview.

The two men must answer a seemingly simple question, but with serious consequences.

How far is Europe prepared to go if the Russians invade Ukraine?

Emmanuel Macron sees a response.

"If there were to be an attack, the response will be there and the cost will be very high," warned the head of state.

Tomorrow at noon, French, German, Ukrainian and Russian diplomats will meet in Paris to begin this discussion.

It remains to be seen whether the Russians are ready to play this de-escalation card.

In any case, there is already a breakthrough: a telephone interview is scheduled for this Friday between Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Poutine.