French Presidential Hopeful Accused of Echoing Kremlin Propaganda on Ukraine
French far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon faces backlash after suggesting that residents of Ukrainian territories should vote on any land concessions under a peace deal, with critics accusing him of repeating Kremlin talking points ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.
French presidential hopeful Jean-Luc Mélenchon has been accused by the country's foreign minister of echoing Kremlin propaganda on Ukraine. During a campaign speech on November 7, Mélenchon suggested that any territorial settlement in Ukraine should be subject to a vote by the populations affected. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized the proposal, stating that Mélenchon had become "the Kremlin's spokesman" on the subject.
Mélenchon dismissed Barrot's criticism, accusing him of attributing the government's position on territorial concessions to him. Mélenchon's rival, Raphaël Glucksmann, also accused Mélenchon of promoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's narrative about the Donbas. The controversy comes as France prepares for the 2027 presidential election and while US-mediated negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are set to begin on November 10 in Abu Dhabi.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
