French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview released on February 18 that he wanted Russia to be defeated in its war with Ukraine but not be "crushed." "I want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine, and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position," he told French media. "I am convinced that, in the end, this will not conclude militarily," he added, predicting neither side could fully prevail. But he didn't want the fight to be taken to Russian soil. He said some people "want above all to crush Russia. "This has never been the position of France."
Macron Says Russia Should Be Defeated But Not 'Crushed'
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the Munich Security Conference on February 17.