Kogutyak: Russia ‘artificially created’ political crisis in France to weaken support for Ukraine

The ongoing political turbulence in France that is marked by government resignations, mass street protests, and growing divisions in parliament is being deliberately fueled by Russia to undermine French support for Ukraine, according to Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Vice President of the Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) 

Speaking to Kyiv 24, he described the crisis as “completely artificial” by pointing to coordinated actions by far-left and far-right political forces that, he said, echo Russian narratives and seek to paralyze the French government. 

“The crisis in France today is entirely artificial. It was created by Russia. We see how far-left and far-right parties — Marine Le Pen’s and Jean-Luc Melenchon’s — are doing everything to prevent the French government and president from functioning stably,” Kogutyak said.

In recent months, France has experienced waves of protests, strikes, and political gridlock. President Emmanuel Macron has faced mounting pressure after Cabinet resignations and parliamentary pushback on his policies. These tensions have only increased whenever he speaks about deepening European defense cooperation, including possible troop deployments to Ukraine.

“Every time President Emmanuel Macron speaks about forming a European coalition to send troops to Ukraine, the French government resigns. This is not accidental, it is the result of deliberate influence,” Kogutyak said.

Kogutyak noted that far-left and far-right factions now hold a significant number of seats in the French National Assembly, giving them political weight to amplify social unrest. 

“Russia raises every possible issue — from migration to the economy — so that people take to the streets and block the country. This is part of a hybrid war against Europe,” he said.

Despite the unrest Kogutyak stressed that support for Ukraine in France remains broad. 

“If there is one thing that unites the French people today, it is support for Ukraine. Even politicians who criticize Macron begin their speeches with ‘the heroic Ukrainian people,’” he said.

Full interview available via link.