Key facts
- Jean-Luc Melenchon condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demanded Russian withdrawal.
- Melenchon suggested Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow contributed to war escalation.
- Melenchon called for diplomacy and peace talks to resolve the conflict.
- Marine Le Pen criticized Russia's seizure of European company assets.
- Le Pen also suggested reducing financial aid to Ukraine.
- Gabriel Attal criticized Le Pen's stance on Ukraine as "unbearable and irresponsible".
Jean-Luc Melenchon, a prominent far-left presidential candidate in France, has reiterated his condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine while simultaneously suggesting that Kyiv bears some responsibility for escalating the conflict through drone strikes on Moscow. Melenchon, who is seeking to challenge the image of holding favorable views toward Russia ahead of the 2027 presidential election, posted a video on September 23, 2026, stating, "From the very first day we have condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine." He also demanded "the withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine" and emphasized that "there is still no other solution than diplomacy."