Idea from antiquity
Russia rejects ceasefire for Olympic Games
April 16, 2024, 4:15 p.m
French President Emmanuel Macron wants peace for Ukraine – at least during the Olympic Games. Moscow is skeptical about this idea. Meanwhile, possible terrorist threats are troubling Paris.
Russia has reacted negatively to the French initiative for a ceasefire during the Paris Olympics. Moscow has not yet officially received such a request, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to the Interfax news agency. President Vladimir Putin has often been asked such questions in the past.
“Both the president and our military officials have pointed out that the Kiev regime usually uses such ideas and initiatives in attempts to regroup or rearm,” Peskov said. This makes it difficult to support such initiatives. Russia, which began its war of aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has repeatedly tried to use false statements and conspiracy theories to portray itself as a victim and to undermine Kiev’s authority and the legitimacy of the Ukrainian defense struggle.
Olympic peace from antiquity
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that his country would work towards an Olympic peace. He also hopes for diplomatic support from China in efforts to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine. It is not Macron’s first push for a ceasefire during the Olympics. A month ago, Kremlin leader Putin suggested that such a ceasefire was possible. But Russia would base its decision on the situation on the battlefield, he said.
The Summer Games are scheduled to take place in Paris from July 26th to August 11th. The idea of Olympic Peace dates back to antiquity, but was also incorporated into the revival of the Games in modern times. All hostilities should cease during the sporting event. However, the commandment has been violated several times in the past.
Meanwhile, it is said that the opening ceremony of the games could not take place on the Seine if the security situation worsens. An opening ceremony on a river would be a world first, Macron also said on Monday. “We can do this and we will do this.” However, a plan B and C would be prepared. In the event of a terrorist threat, the celebration could, for example, only take place at Trocadéro Square or entirely in the stadium, explained Macron. France declared the highest terror alert level in March after the attack in Moscow.