Chancellery Debates and Global Tensions
President Emmanuel Macron of France criticized Russia this week, arguing that Moscow acts as one of the last colonial imperial powers by initiating a territorial war in Ukraine and by occupying a neighboring country to defend its interests there. The remarks framed Russia as the aggressor in a broader power struggle rather than a partner in regional stability. Macron spoke during a press conference conducted in Benin with his counterpart Patrice Talon, an interaction that was noted by Le Monde as part of a wider discussion on international security and the consequences of conflict.
According to the French leader, Russia has deployed knowledge, energy, and food as military instruments to further a continental imperialist war against Ukraine. He pointed to Russia’s diplomatic visits and persistent messaging around the world as part of a strategy to create imbalances. Macron is currently traveling through Africa, including stops in Cameroon, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau, and he referenced the ongoing contacts of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is also in the region on this broader mission for dialogue and influence, a pattern observed by the French media and international observers.
Chima Might Be Next
Lavrov, speaking from Ethiopia, asserted that the West would not hesitate to impose sanctions on any country that offends it, suggesting that China could be the next target of Western pressure. The remarks were carried by the TASS news agency and reported as part of the Kremlin’s public stance on sanctions and international responses to what it characterizes as Western hostility.
With the exception of a handful of developing countries, Lavrov claimed that broad swaths of Africa, Asia, and Latin America have not participated in what he called illegitimate Western sanctions against Russia. He addressed representatives of accredited diplomatic associations in Addis Ababa, presenting a narrative that seeks to bolster Russia’s standing in non-Western regions amid ongoing geopolitical frictions.
Lavrov met with his Ethiopian counterpart, Deme Mekonnen, to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss forthcoming events tied to the Russia Africa forum. The meeting underscored a mutual interest in fostering cooperation and dialogue between Moscow and Addis Ababa, with plans for continued engagement as Moscow promotes its strategic influence on the continent. The discussions highlighted a shared emphasis on stability and regional development while framing Russia’s role in Africa as a counterbalance to Western diplomatic moves.
The Russian foreign ministry leadership conveyed that Moscow supports the government’s effort to begin an inclusive national dialogue aimed at stabilizing the situation and addressing key items on the national agenda. This stance reflects Moscow’s preference for multi-lateral solutions and a broader regional approach to governance, security, and economic development, as officials signal intent to work with partners in Africa on mutual interests and shared challenges.