Since the beginning of the war on Ukraine, French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has been advocating for an independent French stance on major issues such as sanctions against Russia and NATO expansion. 

Read more: Le Pen against sanctions on Russia over French interests

In her most recent take on the matter, Le Pen asserted that Russia is a great power and Europe needs to maintain closer ties with Moscow to ensure global security. Le Pen spoke to radio France Bleu on Monday. 

"I believe that Russia is a great power and I wouldn’t want it to fully ally itself with China," she noted.

"A rapprochement between Europe and Russia is important for ensuring the security of our continent and our country," Le Pen stressed, adding that she shared such a value with French President Emmanuel Macron. 

"Given the Ukrainian conflict, it may seem a distant goal but a head of state needs to look further," Le Pen said. 

Last Thursday, Le Pen refused to describe the war in Ukraine as "genocide", mirroring Macron's stance on the matter. 

Read more: Biden "genocide" comment concerning to some US officials - NBC

Emmanuel Macron said verbal attacks would not help further peace in Ukraine and declined to join his US counterpart in describing Russia's actions as "genocide". When asked about the characterization, he said he would "be careful with such terms" and that the peoples of Ukraine and Russia were "brothers".

The Ukrainian President commented on Macron's statements, saying these words were "very painful" for Ukraine.

The far-right politician told French broadcaster France 2 "Genocide is an extremely clear definition in legal terms, that is inconsistent with currently known facts," but also said that she understands Zelensky's reaction vis-a-vis Macron's statements.

"However, he [Zelensky] sometimes asks more from other countries than it is possible to give him," Le Pen said.