Activists Stage Bold Heist: Macron's Waxwork Stolen and Displayed at Russian Embassy

Greenpeace activists have pulled off a daring heist in Paris, stealing a wax figure of President Emmanuel Macron from a museum and using it to voice their discontent with his policies towards Russia amidst the Ukraine crisis.

In a surprising act of protest, environmental activists from Greenpeace managed to steal a waxwork figure of French President Emmanuel Macron from the Grevin Museum in Paris. Disguised as regular museum-goers, the activists changed into employee uniforms, covered the figure with a blanket, and made their escape through an emergency exit, as reported by French news agency AFP.

The wax figure made its public debut later outside the Russian embassy in Paris, where the Greenpeace members criticized Macron for permitting French firms to maintain business ties with Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Macron has been a major advocate for Ukraine, playing a central role in European discussions aimed at fostering peace, but the activists argued that his actions contradict his rhetoric.

Footage from the scene captured the activists positioning the waxwork in front of the embassy, surrounded by protest signs highlighting their message. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the valuable wax figure, estimated to be worth €40,000 (approximately $45,674), remains missing.

Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, stated that Paris is "playing a double game" – supporting Ukraine while simultaneously allowing French companies to continue importing gas and fertilizers from Russia. He emphasized that Macron should lead by example and be the first European leader to terminate contracts with Russian businesses.

According to a BBC analysis, since the onset of the invasion in 2022, Russia has profited immensely from fossil fuel exports, totaling over €883 billion. Of that amount, French companies have contributed €17.9 billion to Russia’s economy through gas purchases. Recent Russian estimates indicated that gas exports to Europe even increased by as much as 20% in 2024, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales reaching record highs.

While France has provided military support to Ukraine and imposed several sanctions on Russia, Macron has also warned of potential further sanctions if Russia fails to engage in negotiations for a ceasefire.