In interviews conducted in Paris and Washington, D.C., Macron discusses Russia, Ukraine, and U.S.-French Relations

“The only way to find a solution would be through negotiations. I don’t see a military option on the ground,” Macron tells Whitaker about a possible endgame to Russia’s war in Ukraine

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Bill Whitaker interviews French President Emmanuel Macron on 60 MINUTES Sunday, Dec. 4, (7:30 PM, ET/7:00 PM, PT after football on the CBS Television Network) to discuss a wide range of the world’s most pressing issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S.-French relations, and European economic priorities.

Macron traveled to the United States this week for his second state visit in Washington D.C., and the first with the Biden Administration, a nod to the historic nature of the relationship between the two allies. On the eve of his transatlantic journey, the French President sat down with Whitaker in the Elysée Palace in Paris. They spoke at length about the war and its economic impacts. Macron rebuked President Putin’s invasion and said the one way out of the conflict is a deal that is acceptable to Ukraine.

“The only way to find a solution would be through negotiations. I don’t see a military option on the ground,” Macron told Whitaker.

Whitaker asked Macron if he is engaged in any backchannel negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

“I never engage in backchannel process. I always endorse what I do. So, each time I spoke with President Putin, I just made it clear and public and well-known. I made it clear before with President Zelenskyy,” he said. “I made it clear after. So, I have no backchannel discussion. I have regular discussion with Russia.”

Just hours after President Macron met with President Biden in the Oval Office on Thursday, Whitaker sat down with the French leader again and talked about one of the most contentious issues of the visit – the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act.

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