Emmanuel Macron lists factors that influenced Russia's war against Ukraine; 'this is a...'

France’s President Emmanuel Macron claimed on Friday that, inste of rational thinking, Russia’s foreign policy regarding Ukraine was being dictated by whims of President of Russia, Vlimir Putin. Speaking to CNN during an interview while he attended UNGA meeting in New York, Macron speculated on Putin’s mindset and his reasons for ordering a special military operation in Ukraine.  

Macron said, “I have no rational explanation. I think this is a series of resentment, this is a strategy of hegemony in region, and I would say this is a post-COVID-19 consequence, isolation.” 

Macron’s remarks came amid ongoing referendums being undertaken by Central Election Commission of Russia in occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, and Kherson. 

France’s President furr stated that Putin h put Russia in a situation to become “ new imperial country and to launch a colonial war,” while calling latter's decision to launch ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine a “mistake, a huge one.” 

How ‘isolated’ is Russia at present? 

Since onset of war, Russia has been bombarded by economic sanctions with stock market falling by up to 39% according to RTX Index. Russian currency ‘Ruble’ fell to record lows. Furrmore, country’s stock exchanges in Moscow and St. Petersburg were suspended until at least March 18, making it longest duration of closure in Russia's history. 

website of US High Commission to Georgia stated that more than 30 countries have imposed sanctions against Russia. sanctions resulted in blocking financial transactions, cutting energy imports, and halting shipments of key imports, such as semiconductors and or electronics. Over 1,000 foreign companies have halted operations in Russia as per website. 

Moreover, as per announcements by ir respective ministries of foreign affairs, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Lithuania closed ir borders with Russia. Meanwhile, Interior Minister of Germany Nancy Faeser stated on Thursday that Russians fleeing military draft following Putin’s announcement of a partial mobilisation of Russia’s military would be welcome in her country, reported BBC. Faeser said fleeing Russians threatened by "severe repression" would receive protection on a case-by-case basis, following necessary security checks.