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Macron has in the past been criticised by Ukraine and eastern
European allies for what they perceived as his ambiguous backing
for Kyiv since Russia's invasion of its neighbour, and his
repeated dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We must prepare for a long war," Emmanuel Macron told his
diplomatic corps setting out his foreign policy goals.
He said France would continue long-term backing for Kyiv
economically, militarily and with humanitarian aid, but warned
that one of the key challenges would be ensuring European unity
in the face of Russia.
"European unity is key because division is one of Russia's war
objectives," he said.
Macron insisted that talking to Moscow was imperative to avoid
escalation in the conflict and ultimately to help set the terms
for a negotiated peace, which only Ukraine could decide.
"France will continue to talk to Russia." he said. "Who wants
Turkey to be the only power in the world which continues to talk
to Russia?"
(Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
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