Last fall, the official Kyiv looked at the future cooperation with Paris somewhat doomed. Then the leaders of the presidential race in France were politicians who took a more or less pro-Russian stance. Everything changed the rating spurt of the young pro-European candidate Emmanuel Macron, who subsequently won both rounds of the elections.

The newly elected French president has already met with the leading Western leaders and the head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin. In words, Makron took a tough stance towards Moscow. About whether the politician is ready to make big statements in life, the French political scientist Olivier Vedrin told the "Observer".

- Do you think Emmanuel Macron will be able to revive, revive the "Norman" format?.

- I think that Mr. Macron will continue to work in the "Norman" format. "Revival" is not quite that term. He will follow the same path as Francois Hollande. Emmanuel Macron will continue the line of his predecessor.

- Perhaps he will still offer some fresh ideas?.

- It will not be fresh ideas, perhaps it will be new ways of implementing them. I think that Macron will not abandon the ideas, the Francois Hollande line, but perhaps new, more stringent ways of putting them into practice.

You can consider an example of a meeting between Macron and Putin. Macron behaved very confidently. He took the position of a leader, and this brought Putin out of balance. I think the same will be observed in the future. "Norman" process will be harder for Moscow.

- Why did Macron agree to meet with Putin only two weeks after the inauguration? Perhaps he wanted to show readiness for dialogue?.

- We must look at this meeting from the point of view of the overall process. Do you remember that Putin was going to visit Paris in October last year to open the Russian Spiritual and Cultural Center, but was later canceled? This is the first explanation. The second reason is the meeting of the "Big Seven". Putin was at that time in Europe. The third reason - the opening of the exhibition in Versailles, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the arrival in France of Peter I.

These three events created a good excuse for Putin's visit. Macron understood this and used the opportunity to invite Putin to Versailles.

- Makron said that he is ready to introduce new sanctions. But these are only statements. Is there a political will for such a step?.

- When I talk about politics, I mean the dynamics and actions. And all that we receive at the output is the result of decisions, coherence of actions. That is why this statement is not unfounded. Why? Let's look at the history of personal relations between Emmanuel Macron and Moscow. Russian propaganda has been very tough on Macron. We remember how during the meeting with Putin, Macron said that "Russia Today" and "Sputnik" are propaganda organs, they made fake news during his presidential campaign. This propaganda, as well as hacker attacks on the headquarters of then-presidential candidate Macron will play a role. All this will prompt Macron to take decisive action. I think this can also ultimately lead to an expansion of sanctions.

- The West speaks about the non-alternative nature of the Minsk agreements. And how do you think the Minsk agreements can lead to a stable peace?.

- Let's just say, I think that we made a big mistake in the beginning of the Minsk process. We let Putin go too far.

- And what is the alternative?.

- An alternative is to increase sanctions and initiate new agreements in the "Norman" format. These agreements should be more serious and complex for Russia, and not for Ukraine. It's my opinion.

Why did we sign those arrangements? One of the points is the holding of elections after the border is completely under the control of the Ukrainian army. But do you really think that the Russians will allow the Ukrainian forces to take control of the border in order to hold elections? These arrangements can not be carried out. We must make maximum efforts to sign new agreements.

- What role can Trump play in the peace process?.

- I know the American society very well. Trump. He does not look competent. We have nothing to expect from him in these negotiations with Russia. In fact, Europe is alone now. That's why Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron are increasingly thinking about European integration. That's why President McNaugh held his first meeting with Merkel.

- Is it possible to call Macron the last hope of pro-European France? If it does not justify the hopes, can Eurosceptics take revenge in a few years?.

- Within 2-3 months Russian and Ukrainian media constantly asked me about the probability of winning the election Marin Le Pen. Indeed? Even since December, I have argued to everyone that the president will be Macron. Since December I have said that Marin Le Pen will never lead France.

More than 70% of citizens support the pro-European position in France. And they mostly consider Putin a threat to Europe.

As reported by the "Observer", Makron spoke sharply about Russia.

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