PARIS: Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has ignited a firestorm of criticism both in Kyiv and Paris after suggesting a controversial approach to ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In an interview with the conservative newspaper Le Figaro, Sarkozy proposed that new referendums be conducted in the occupied territories as a potential solution to the conflict, which has garnered strong reactions from political figures and experts.
Sarkozy argued that if the Ukrainians were unable to fully regain their territories, the international community should oversee referendums in the occupied regions. He referred to these referendums as a means to solidify the current state of affairs, particularly emphasizing the need for an “incontestable referendum.” The former French leader also called for diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that “Russia is Europe’s neighbor and will remain so,” and that compromise and dialogue were essential to finding an acceptable solution.
The focus of Sarkozy’s comments revolved around the Crimean peninsula, which Russia claimed to have annexed in 2014. He categorically rejected the notion of returning to the pre-annexation status quo, labeling it an “illusion.”
Sarkozy Faces Criticism from Various Quarters
These remarks have elicited a swift and strong response from various quarters. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, condemned Sarkozy’s statements as “criminal logic.” He underscored that trading territories under the pretext of fear or friendship with wrongdoers was unacceptable, accusing Sarkozy of having participated in a “criminal conspiracy” during his tenure in office.
Criticism was not limited to Ukraine, as voices within France also expressed deep concern. Julien Bayou, a senior member of the Green Party, branded Sarkozy a “Russian influencer,” characterizing the interview as “lunatic” and “shocking.” Bayou also alluded to an ongoing investigation into Sarkozy’s alleged ties to a Russian insurance company, raising questions of influence peddling.
Jerome Poirot, a former intelligence advisor to Sarkozy, was scathing in his assessment of the ex-president’s statements. Poirot noted that Sarkozy lacked perspective on the situation and his own past actions. He criticized Sarkozy for failing to establish clear red lines during his term and questioned whether the former president had simply acquiesced to Putin’s desires.
