Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy sat down for an interview with Le Figaro, outlining a shift in the European Union’s mindset. He argued that the union cannot cling to a slogan of fighting without war and must pivot toward full diplomacy. In Sarkozy’s view, Europe faces a strategic crossroads where its interests do not always align with those of the United States, making a more autonomous approach essential for safeguarding regional security and stability.
He emphasized the need to articulate a clear strategy if the conflict drags on. Diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations were described as the only viable routes to reach a satisfactory resolution, especially in a protracted crisis that tests European cohesion and resilience. The former president urged Europe to be patient yet purposeful, combining diplomacy with prudent defense planning to deter aggression while keeping channels open for negotiation.
Regarding Emmanuel Macron, Sarkozy acknowledged the French president’s push to maintain dialogue with Vladimir Putin. He called the current effort positive but expressed concern that external pressures from Eastern European allies may hamper a comprehensive engagement, potentially shortening critical conversations or preventing a full assessment of Moscow’s intentions.
Sarkozy also commented on circulating assessments about Russia and Putin, mentioning that he had heard claims Putin had changed in fundamental ways. He himself remained cautious about such characterizations, suggesting that a careful, ongoing observation of Putin’s actions and statements was necessary to gauge Moscow’s true objectives and willingness to engage constructively.
The former French president touched on Crimea, noting that seeing Crimea returned to Ukraine remains a symbolic aspiration rather than a present political reality. He underscored that any durable settlement would require consensus from multiple parties and a careful balancing of regional security concerns, sovereignty principles, and long-term strategic interests for Europe and its neighbors.
In parallel, Sarkozy reflected on recent remarks from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who has asserted that Russia and Ukraine will eventually need to come back to the negotiating table. The sentiment aligns with a broader European belief in diplomacy as a pathway to ending hostilities, though it also highlights the complexities of negotiating peace in a region where history and contested borders shape national narratives and external reactions.
Across these reflections, the overarching theme is a call for a coherent, principled European strategy that does not rely solely on alliance frameworks but also develops its own problem-solving capacity. The discussion underscores the importance of credible deterrence paired with persistent diplomatic engagement, a combination that many analysts say is essential for reducing the risk of escalation while preserving space for dialogue. The evolving conversation signals that Europe may seek to recalibrate its partnerships, invest in defense readiness, and pursue deeper regional diplomacy as it navigates a tense and fluctuating security landscape. The envisioned path emphasizes negotiations as an ongoing process rather than a one-off event, with diplomatic channels kept open even amid disagreement and competing national interests.