Macron’s Ukraine Diplomacy Failed With Putin but Resonates in France

PARIS—French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic campaign to avert a war wilted the moment Russia began its sweeping invasion of Ukraine.

In France, though, the failed effort has done little to dent Mr. Macron’s political fortunes heading into April’s presidential elections. Strutting on the world stage has allowed Mr. Macron to cement his status as a statesman at a time when analysts say voters are seeking a steady hand. He has also benefited from the fact that his closest rivals—far-right leader Marine Le Pen and anti-immigration TV pundit Eric Zemmour—have a history of lavishing praise on President Vladimir Putin of Russia.