The new French Foreign Minister, Stéphane Séjourne, in an interview with La Tribune, explained why it is important for the French to take such an aggressive stance in support of Ukraine against Putin. He says that France and Europe will pay even more in the future if they allow Russia to win and go further. While history doesn't repeat itself, repeating past mistakes shouldn't be done, according to Séjourne. And here's why:
"The question is whether we can get Russia to stop its war other than by supporting Ukraine to the maximum. History gives us examples of the impasse of strategies of retreat and weakness. Those who, in May 1939, didn't want to die for Danzig only encouraged Hitler. While I believe history doesn't repeat itself, we shouldn't repeat its mistakes. I see that nationalist political parties in Europe use the same thinking, the same words under the guise of pacifism, which is nothing but surrender. But how can we think that facing an expansionist power and, I weigh my words, an imperialist country, we can afford to step aside? I believe that would just give it the opportunity to advance. We need to speak the same language as Russia, that of power dynamics. We're very naive to think we should set our own limits, when it's Russia violating international law and trying to impose what should be the foreign policy of European countries. History has shown us that when countries let themselves be dictated their foreign policy by an imperialist country that considers it has no limited borders, well, we risk an escalation. Standing up to Russia is therefore protecting the French and world. That's true patriotism," said the minister.
Stéphane Séjourné at the Quai d'Orsay on March 7th. (Credits: © ELIOT BLONDET/ABACA FOR LA TRIBUNE DIMANCHE)
There are currently seven countries, including France, that have signed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. Twenty-five others are on track to do so.
"There is a sense of unity in recognizing that, after two years of conflict, Russia has become increasingly aggressive towards us. Concerns exist about both the long-term support and Ukraine's ability to hold out. Everyone agrees that this crisis has already had consequences for Europeans in terms of energy prices and purchasing power, and it would be even worse if Ukraine were to collapse or Russia were to prevail. Russia must not and cannot win," said Stéphane Séjourne.
