French President Emmanuel Macron, left, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Elysee Palace earlier than a working diner with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 in Paris.

Lewis Joly/AP

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Lewis Joly/AP

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Elysee Palace earlier than a working diner with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 in Paris.

Lewis Joly/AP

BRUSSELS — Ukraine’s wartime chief Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now been bestowed with France’s highest medal of honor. However there’s an issue: Russian President Vladimir Putin has the identical medal.

French President Emmanuel Macron pinned the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor medal on Zelenskyy’s chest after the 2 met within the French presidential palace Thursday, a transfer Macron mentioned was meant to point out France’s “immense” recognition for Ukraine’s valor since Russia invaded it a 12 months in the past.

Some French legislators and activists have referred to as on Macron to rescind Putin’s award due to the battle.

Macron did not rule out stripping Putin of the respect bestowed by then-President Jacques Chirac in 2006.

Macron informed reporters Friday that such a choice “has critical which means, and it ought to be taken on the proper second.” He famous that he has rescinded the respect up to now.

Macron stripped Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of his Legion of Honor award within the wake of widespread sexual misconduct allegations towards him in 2017. Disgraced bicycle owner and former Tour de France star Lance Armstrong additionally had his French Legion of Honor award revoked.