Greenpeace activists executed a heist of a waxwork depicting President Emmanuel Macron from a Paris museum, later showcasing it outside the Russian embassy to criticize France's business dealings with Russia. This act of protest highlighted the perceived contradiction in Macron's support for Ukraine while allowing continued economic relations with Russia.
Environmental Activists Stage Bold Heist of Macron Waxwork in Paris
Environmental Activists Stage Bold Heist of Macron Waxwork in Paris
In a dramatic protest, Greenpeace activists steal a wax figure of President Macron to critique France's ties with Russia amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
In a dramatic act of environmental activism, a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron was stolen from the Grevin Museum in Paris by Greenpeace activists disguised as museum employees. The group exploited their guise, entering the museum under the pretense of being tourists. Once inside, they changed into employee attire, covered the waxwork with a blanket, and successfully exited through an emergency exit, as reported by the French news agency AFP.
The wax version of Macron later appeared outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the activists criticized his handling of French companies that maintain business operations in Russia despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Macron has been a prominent supporter of Kyiv and has played a significant role in European diplomatic efforts aimed at negotiating a ceasefire in the conflict.
Footage from the scene shows activists placing the stolen waxwork in front of the embassy, surrounded by signs and placards decrying France's economic ties with Russia. So far, no arrests have been made, and the wax figure, valued at an estimated €40,000 (£33,765; $45,674), remains unaccounted for.
Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, spoke to AFP, expressing that Paris is "playing a double game" by supporting Ukraine while permitting French companies to import gas and fertilizers from Russia. He asserted that Macron embodies this contradiction and should take the lead among European leaders in severing trade contracts with Russian enterprises.
An analysis published by the BBC in May highlighted that Russia has amassed over €883 billion (£740 billion; $973 billion) in revenue from fossil fuel exports since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, with notable earnings coming from EU member states. France, in particular, has contributed €17.9 billion (£15.1 billion; $20.4 billion) of that total.
Russian sources indicate that gas exports to Europe could increase by up to 20% in 2024, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports achieving record levels. Notably, approximately half of Russia's LNG exports are directed towards the EU.
In addition to military aid for Ukraine, France has implemented various sanctions against Russia and Russian individuals since the conflict began. Macron has also threatened to introduce further sanctions if Moscow fails to engage cooperatively in ceasefire negotiations.
