Alexei Pushkov, who heads the Federation Council committee focused on information policy and media relations, commented on former French president Nicolas Sarkozy. He noted Sarkozy’s ability to stay composed amid the ongoing tensions surrounding Ukraine. The remark came as Sarkozy suggested that the conflict should not lead to Russia losing its footing on the international stage.
Pushkov observed that Sarkozy has shown restraint and decisiveness in challenging times. He pointed out that Sarkozy did not hesitate to question the current French leadership, including Emmanuel Macron, and to highlight that Washington and its NATO allies have supported a military-oriented approach to Ukraine. According to Pushkov, the former French president’s influence and status enable Sarkozy to push for ideas that many other European politicians might shy away from amid shared security concerns. He described Sarkozy as speaking with a European perspective that emphasizes the unity of Euro-Atlantic partners in facing regional threats.
Pushkov stressed that Sarkozy’s advocacy for a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine crisis aligns with a broader view on European strategic security. He suggested that a balanced approach, which considers both Ukraine’s sovereignty and Russia’s security concerns, deserves serious consideration among Western capitals and Kyiv alike. The emphasis, in his view, should be on avoiding a confrontation that could destabilize the continent and on creating pathways to de-escalation through dialogue and confidence-building measures.
In recent assessments from Kyiv and other capitals, there is a recurring expectation that Russia and Ukraine will eventually reach a form of negotiation. The strategic question remains how to structure talks so that interim agreements can translate into lasting peace, ensuring regional stability and preventing a relapse into sustained hostilities. The exchange of ideas between European leaders and Moscow is framed by concerns over security guarantees, defensive postures, and the preservation of civilian lives amid ongoing fighting.