Environmental Activists Steal Macron Waxwork to Protest Russian Relations

Greenpeace activists stole a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from Paris' Grevin Museum, demanding an end to French trade with Russia. The statue was later displayed outside the Russian embassy in Paris as a protest against Macron's approach to Russian relations amid the Ukraine conflict.

In a bold move, activists from Greenpeace have stolen a wax figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris, disguising themselves as museum employees to carry out the heist. According to a police source, the activists initially entered the museum as tourists before changing into uniforms, covering the statue with a blanket, and exiting through an emergency exit. The waxwork, valued at approximately €40,000 (£33,765; $45,674), later appeared at the Russian embassy in Paris, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with Macron's stance on ongoing trade relationships between French companies and Russia, despite its invasion of Ukraine.

Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, commented on the situation, claiming that Macron's government is “playing a double game” by supporting Ukraine politically while allowing French businesses to maintain lucrative trade contracts with Russia, particularly in the gas and fertiliser sectors. Julliard stated that Macron, as a prominent European leader, should lead the charge in terminating these agreements. Macron has been known for his vocal support of Ukraine and has actively participated in European initiatives aiming to negotiate a ceasefire.

Analysis highlighted that since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has generated significant revenue from fossil fuel exports, amounting to over €883 billion (£740 billion; $973 billion), with a notable portion deriving from EU member states. This included roughly €17.9 billion (£15.1 billion; $20.4 billion) from France alone. As global energy markets shift, Russian gas exports to Europe are reportedly on the rise, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports reaching unprecedented levels.

In addition to providing military assistance to Ukraine, the French government has imposed various sanctions against Russia and its individuals since the start of the conflict. Macron has also issued warnings regarding potential further sanctions if Russia does not comply with calls for a negotiated ceasefire. However, environmental activists remain resolute in pushing for a more stringent stance against trade dealings that could undermine these efforts. The waxwork theft has drawn significant media attention, sparking discussions on the implications of international trade in times of war and environmental responsibility.