France Does Not Want WWIII Over Ukraine, Says Macron

He Also Pledges Referendums on Key French Issues for Last Two Years of Presidential Term

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PARIS - President Emmanuel Macron said on May 13 that France did not want to unleash "World War III" over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and vowed referendums on key issues as he outlined his aims for the remaining two years of his mandate in a marathon television appearance.

Mr. Macron, who came to power in 2017 promising radical change, will step down in 2027 after serving the maximum two terms allowed under the Constitution.

On occasion over 2024, Mr. Macron has appeared as a lame duck, especially after his decision to hold snap legislative elections backfired, leaving the far-right as the biggest party in Parliament and his own party a diminished, minority presence.

But recent months have seen a newly energized Mr. Macron, boosted by his presence on the international front as he seeks to bring an end to the three-year war sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"We must help Ukraine defend itself but we do not want to unleash a Third World War," Mr. Macron said in the interview that lasted more than three hours.