French President Macron warns Russia shows no ceasefire willingness with Ukraine, calls for continued pressure on Moscow and strong Ukrainian army.
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday that Russia shows no willingness to agree a ceasefire with Ukraine.
“There is clearly no Russian willingness to agree a ceasefire today,” Macron said after a video call with the 30-country coalition supporting Kyiv.
The call included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Participants reported on their direct exchanges with Moscow during the discussion.
Macron said Moscow showed no willingness to discuss an amended version of the US peace plan.
The amended plan resulted from talks between US, Ukrainian and European representatives in Geneva last weekend.
Macron called for a “strong Ukrainian army” without “limitation” as part of post-war security guarantees.
“Discussions in Geneva have shown that there should be no limitations to the Ukrainian army,” he emphasised.
The war continued despite ceasefire efforts, with powerful explosions rocking Kyiv.
“While Russia pretended once again it was ready for peace, the last hours were marked by new strikes against civilian infrastructure,” Macron said.
“On the ground the reality is quite the opposite of a willingness for peace.”
He said “continued pressure” would be applied on Russia to negotiate.
“We will continue to support Ukraine with force,” Macron added.
Some coalition members plan to send a multinational force if a ceasefire occurs, to deter future Russian attacks.
Macron said a decision on frozen Russian assets would be “finalised in the coming days.”
The frozen assets are “extremely important” and “also a means of pressure” on Russia.
The French president backed US efforts to develop an acceptable peace plan.
“But the main question is, is there a Russian willingness or not?” – AFP
