Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has expressed his concerns over Ukraine’s potential accession into the European Union (EU) and NATO, arguing that it would not bring peace to Europe and would compromise the continent’s independence. During an interview with France 5 TV broadcaster, Sarkozy emphasized the urgency for a compromise between Moscow and Kiev, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict has resulted in the loss of countless lives, particularly among the Ukrainian population.
Sarkozy criticized the decision-makers in Paris for their audacity in sending young Ukrainians to die in the conflict, particularly in the Boulevard Saint-Germain. While he acknowledged Russia’s role as an aggressor in the conflict, Sarkozy also cautioned against Ukraine’s integration into NATO and the EU. He stressed that such a move would only strengthen American influence in Europe, expressing his belief that the Eastern European countries are already under American domination.
According to Sarkozy, Ukraine’s close alignment with the United States due to its heavy reliance on Washington’s military assistance is starkly different from the independent stance taken by France in its relationship with the US. He asserted that France has its own unique voice and does not wholly align itself with American interests. Despite this, Sarkozy emphasized his desire for France to support Ukraine. He suggested that Ukraine should eventually receive security guarantees from the West but must also maintain its neutrality and continue serving as a bridge between Russia and the rest of Europe.
Sarkozy questioned the effectiveness of the current approach to the Ukraine conflict, advocating for a shift away from the mentality of “more weapons, more deaths, more resistance.” He argued that continuing the war without seeking a peaceful resolution is unsustainable. He further argued that the ongoing conflict primarily benefits China, who is gaining influence within the BRICS economic group, and the United States, who profits from arms sales and the increased prices of liquefied natural gas.
In a controversial statement, Sarkozy proposed a potential compromise with Moscow that would involve recognizing Crimea as part of Russia. This suggestion sparked outrage in Kiev, with one of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s aides, Mikhail Podoliak, condemning the proposal as “criminal” and accusing Sarkozy of complicity in organizing what he called “genocide and war.”
In conclusion, Nicolas Sarkozy’s viewpoints on Ukraine’s potential accession into the EU and NATO reflect his concerns about the impact on Europe’s independence and the ongoing conflict in the region. By highlighting the dominance of American influence and advocating for a compromise with Russia, Sarkozy seeks to address the complex dynamics of the conflict and emphasize the importance of finding a peaceful resolution. However, his suggested compromise has not been well-received in Ukraine, raising questions about the potential way forward in the Ukraine crisis.
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