In a live TV broadcast to the nation, Macron warned that “the days ahead are likely to become tougher and tougher.”
Saluting the courage of the Ukrainian people and standing in front of a Ukrainian flag, he said that the war would undoubtedly make its effects felt across Europe, including in France, where the prices of petrol, gas and everyday items are likely to rise.
On a wider scale, he warned that “our farmers, our industry and a number of economic sectors will suffer”.
He said that he has asked Prime Minister Jean Castex to create a comprehensive plan to deal with price rises and other knock-on effects of the war “within the next few days”.
Macron also announced that he would be hosting European leaders at Versailles on March 10th and 11th for a summit to discuss energy independence and defence.The French president described his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymr Zelensky as “the face of honour, freedom and bravery”.
“It is alone and deliberately that President Putin has chosen the war. This war is not a conflict between Nato on the one hand and Russia on the other. Russia is not attacked, it is the aggressor.”
“Already our Europe has shown unity and determination. We have entered into a new era.”
However he added: “We are not at war with Russia”.
He added that France would do its share to welcome the millions of Ukrainians displaced by war, including taking in children separated from their parents.
Macron has been criticised by some for his continuing conversations with Russian premier Vladimir Putin, but told the nation: “I have chosen to remain in contact with President Putin for as long as I can, and for as long is necessary, to unstintingly seek to convince him to renounce violence… and to prevent the contagion and spreading of the conflict.”
But he said he believed that the war will continue and represents “a new era” in Europe.
The speech did not directly touch on the issue of French domestic politics, as Macron’s office had already made clear.
Macron has so far not officially declared that he will run for re-election, and the deadline for candidates to declare is Friday, March 4th.
It is, however, widely thought to be extremely unlikely that he will not enter the presidential race. His team had previously announced an event in Marseille on Saturday, March 5th, which was expected to be the first official event of the campaign. However this was cancelled earlier this week because of the international situation.
Macron’s handling of the crisis is generally viewed positively in France, and his poll ratings have gone up over the past two weeks.