Justifying Russia and persuading Ukraine to peace: how life punished "Putin's friend" Nicolas Sarkozy and why his wife faces 20 years in prison

On January 28, the 29th President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, turned 70 years old. He was once one of the most influential leaders in Europe, but now his name is associated with scandals, corruption cases, and controversial political statements about Ukraine's independence. His rise from president to the subject of numerous criminal investigations is a story of downfall that has also affected his family.

For example, his wife faces up to 20 years in prison for fraud during the 2007 presidential campaign. OBOZ.UA decided to recall the politician's most high-profile scandal and how life punished the "Putin's friend".

Scandalous statements about Ukraine

Sarkozy has repeatedly shocked the international community with his statements on the war in Ukraine. During the full-scale invasion, he gave an interview in which he justified Russia's actions, claiming that "Putin was provoked" into an armed attack. The politician openly urged Ukraine to peace, arguing that our country should refuse to join the EU and NATO.

He made similarly loud statements about Crimea. For example, he called the peninsula "historically Russian territory" and called for a "referendum under international supervision" to be held there once again to make sure that not only Ukrainians but also Russians live there. However, he overlooked the fact that many Russians were forcibly settled there after 2014 and they will definitely vote for their homeland.

"Everything will depend on how the situation develops on the ground. If the Ukrainians fail to fully recapture them, the choice will be between a frozen conflict, which, as we know, will inevitably lead to a new hot conflict tomorrow, or to resort, again, to referendums under the strict control of the international community to finally resolve these territorial issues," Sarkozy said.

Although the politician acknowledged that Russia is an aggressor, he emphasized that the world must avoid its destruction to prevent "total war."

Since 2014, Sarkozy has expressed support for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, saying that the French economy is suffering because of sanctions against Russia. During his visit to Moscow, Sarkozy said that he had always considered Putin a friend.

Corruption cases and trials

At the same time, legal proceedings against the 29th president continue in France. In particular, he is accused of corruption, illegal campaign financing, and collusion with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. According to the prosecutor's office, in 2006-2007, Gaddafi may have illegally transferred millions of euros to Sarkozy to finance his campaign.

The trial in this case began on January 6, 2025 and is expected to last three months. Sarkozy faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of about one million euros.

However, back in 2014, the politician, through his lawyer, intended to bribe Gilbert Azibert, a prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, by offering him a "prestigious job" in Monaco. According to the case file, Sarkozy wanted to get information about the investigation against him.

Sarkozy's wife, former supermodel Carla Bruni, was also involved in this story. She is accused of fraud and falsification of testimony in the case of financing her husband's election campaign. If proven guilty, she faces up to 20 years in prison.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!