Flash News

Bota

Macron gives Zelensky the Medal of Honor of France, but so does Putin

Macron gives Zelensky the Medal of Honor of France, but so does Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been awarded France's highest Medal of Honor. Next to him, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has the same medal. French President Emmanuel Macron pinned the Grand Cross of Honor Medal around Zelenskyy's arm after the two met at the French presidential palace on Thursday, a move Macron said was meant to show "France's recognition" of Ukraine's bravery. since Russia invaded it almost a year ago.

Zelensky, on his second trip abroad since the Russian invasion, met on February 8 in Paris with Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Some French lawmakers and activists have called on Macron to revoke Putin's honor of the same medal because of the war.

Macron did not rule out removing the honor given to Putin by then-president Jacques Chirac in 2006. Macron told reporters on Friday that such a decision "has serious meaning and must be taken at the right moment."

He noted that he has rescinded the honor in the past as well. Macron stripped Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of the top honor following allegations of sexual abuse against him in 2017. Cyclist and former Tour de France star Lance Armstrong was also stripped of the honor.

Latest news