Carl Bildt: Russian security concerns pure phantasy

The diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and resolve the ongoing Russian aggression towards Ukraine have so far been fruitless. This week, French president Emmanuel Macron visited both Moscow and Kyiv in order to hold talks with the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, trying to once again enable France and the European Union as facilitators of dialogue.

The French president reportedly stated that he “understands the Russian security concerns”, a statement that has sparked criticism in the U.S. and the European Union. Former Swedish prime minister and the honorary chairman of the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation Carl Bildt wrote on Twitter: “Meanwhile Emmanuel Macron heads to Moscow tomorrow, saying that he understands Russian security concern. Sorry, but the ones they are making a crisis of now are all pure phantasy. Neighbours of Russia, notably Ukraine, have far more acute security concerns”.