France Expels Russian Diplomats—But Still Faces Criticism Of How It’s Handled Russia

Topline

France expelled “many” Russian diplomats from the country, the ​​French Ministry of Foreign Affairs France announced in a statement Monday, though France continued to face criticism for its response to Russia since it invaded Ukraine in February.

Key Facts

Chief Critic

Earlier Monday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki lambasted French President Emmanuel Macron for conducting several phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine: “Mr. President Macron, how many times have you negotiated with Putin, what have you achieved? Have you stopped any of the actions that have taken place? One should not negotiate with criminals, one should fight them…Nobody negotiated with Hitler.”

Key Background

Amid mass corporate withdrawals from Russia globally last month, several French multinational firms stood firm in maintaining their Russian business operations. During a March 23 address to French lawmakers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized French companies Renault, Leroy Merlin and Auchan for being “sponsors of the Russian war machine.” Automaker Renault has since shut down production in Russia and announced its plans to sell its stake in Russia’s largest carmaker, though retailers Auchan and Leroy Merlin have said they plan to conduct business as usual in Russia.

Further Reading

4 European Countries Expel Russian Diplomats—With Some Citing National Security Threats (Forbes)

‘Nobody negotiated with Hitler,’ Polish PM says, berating France’s Macron over Putin talks (Reuters)