In a shocking act of protest, Greenpeace activists successfully stole a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris. Disguised as museum staff and tourists, the activists managed to cover the statue with a blanket and sneak it out through an emergency exit, as reported by police sources to AFP.
The figure eventually made its public appearance outside the Russian embassy, serving as a symbol for the activists to voice their criticism of Macron's stance on French companies that continue to trade with Russia following the latter's invasion of Ukraine. Macron has been a prominent supporter of Ukraine, advocating for a ceasefire and providing military assistance, but activists argue that his approval of ongoing business with Russian firms undermines these efforts.
Footage captured the moment activists placed the waxwork in front of the embassy, accompanied by placards and signs expressing their disapproval. The theft has not yet led to any arrests, and the wax figure, estimated to have a value of around €40,000, remains missing.
Jean-François Julliard, the head of Greenpeace France, emphasized that Paris is "playing a double game" by simultaneously supporting Ukraine while allowing French firms to continue importing gas and fertilizers from Russia. He insists that Macron should take the lead in cutting trade contracts with Russian companies to genuinely support Ukraine.
Analysis has shown that since the invasion, Russia has amassed over €883 billion from fossil fuel exports to the West, with EU member states contributing a significant portion of that wealth. In a stark contrast to France's military aid and sanctions against Russia, ongoing trade continues to raise questions about the nation's commitment to sanctions and support for Ukraine.
