Emmanuel Macron: ‘If Russia Doesn’t Accept Ceasefire, There Will Be Harsh Sanctions’

Alongside Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron is in Kyiv to express support for Ukraine and urge Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire lasting 30 days. The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, and Poland are making a symbolic gesture on the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and around 20 foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, present. In a joint statement, the four leaders emphasized their commitment to increasing pressure on Russia’s war machine until it accepts a ceasefire. Macron reiterated threats of new, harsher sanctions if Russia refuses. Simultaneously, he called for immediate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. If a 30-day ceasefire is enforced, direct talks will commence, and Western nations stand ready to assist. However, Dmitry Peskov, representing the Kremlin, stated that Russia is not ready for negotiations, accusing the West of arming Ukraine and prolonging the conflict.