Difficult ? This is one of the less difficult election in a long time, Macron already won this election before it even began. All the top candidates (JLM, MLP, Z) were preaching Putin a few month agos and blaming NATO/EU here an there (It's not a secret there campaigns are financed by russian banks). And they are now trying to keep a low profile about the situation in Ukraine. A few weeks ago Macron was already far ahead, but in a few days It won't be even close.

>and as Germany hems and haws over its own ties to Russia,

No invasion in Europe for how many decades? Long past many people's lifetimes. Building those relationships through trade can be great impediments to further conflicts. They knew the strategic cost of having done this. Unfortunately, the cost to the German people must now be accepted.