Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could ‘return peace to Europe’ – de Gaulle’s grandson
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed Victory Day ceasefire next month could pave the way to peace between Russia and Ukraine, Charles de Gaulle’s grandson Pierre has told RT.
Pierre de Gaulle made his remarks after Putin announced that Russian troops will observe a truce from May 8 through May 10, as their country commemorates the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9.
“The Russians are a peaceful people. Russia doesn’t want war. Russia wants peace,” de Gaulle told RT on Monday, welcoming the ceasefire announcement. “I think it’s a very strong symbol, as we celebrate the end of the Second World War,” he said.
“We’re also celebrating, I hope, the return of peace to Ukraine and the return of peace to Europe – a peace in which I would have hoped France could play a role.”
He argued that the current government in Paris was making “decisions contrary to common sense and reason.”
“But I hope that, in the long term, we can once again celebrate the Franco-Russian friendship – which is what my grandfather always wanted,” he said, adding that both nations would benefit from closer ties.
After leading the French resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II, Charles de Gaulle founded the modern French political system and served as president from 1959 until 1969.
In his statement on Monday, Putin urged Ukraine to honor the ceasefire, warning that Russian troops would “give a proportionate and efficient response” to any violations.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky responded by accusing Moscow of “manipulation” and called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
According to Russia, Ukraine violated both the 30-day ‘energy truce’ brokered by the US last month and the 30-hour Easter truce, despite having promised to respect both arrangements. Putin has argued that in order for a comprehensive ceasefire to succeed, Kiev must halt its mobilization campaign and the West must stop delivering it weapons.
