Since the beginning of the tragic war in Ukraine, many have embraced the idea that Russians have collective responsibility for the current events. However, it is crucial to recognise that the notion of collective guilt should not be used to demonise or incite hatred against ordinary Russians.

While most of the time Emmanuel Macron appears to be completely in line with the common position represented by the NATO allies and the European Union member states, there are occasions when he dissents.

The need to return to national interest, realism, restraint, balance of power, and Westphalian non-intervention is perhaps the most tragic and urgent lesson that must be learned from this war.