Emmanuel Macron stressed the need for the West to maintain a firm stance toward Russia, in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent decisions and statements, which Kyiv could perceive as favorable to Moscow.
“I believe we must be collectively serious,” the French president told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the Paris Motor Show. He said he was due to speak with his American counterpart later in the day.
Macron’s Position on the Ceasefire
The French president made clear that there is no reason to change Europe’s stance toward Russia, noting that Russian forces continue to strike civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine.
“I believe we have no real reason today to change our position,” he said, while also expressing support for efforts to reach a ceasefire in the energy sector and in the Black Sea, as well as for the resumption of peace talks.
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“Yes to seeking a ceasefire on energy and, I would say, also in the Black Sea, and to resuming peace talks. No to giving in to the Russian threat,” he stressed.
Trump’s Moves and Kyiv’s Reaction
Macron’s remarks follow a series of moves by Donald Trump that sparked reactions and questions about Washington’s stance toward Moscow.
In recent days, the American president announced a surprise deal to buy Russian diesel, aimed at lowering prices at gas stations, despite U.S. sanctions on Russian energy imports. He also called on Ukrainians to get “a new leader who can reach a deal” for peace with Russia.
On Sunday, Trump caused further confusion by announcing that an “energy ceasefire” had been agreed between Ukraine and Russia. The announcement surprised Kyiv, while there was no similar public reaction from Moscow.
“The Russians Continued to Bomb Energy Infrastructure”
Macron, however, questioned whether the energy truce is being observed in practice by the Russian side.
“I have not seen an energy truce from the Russian side over the last 48 hours,” he said, adding that Russian attacks on energy infrastructure continued in recent hours.
“The facts show that the Russians continued to bomb energy infrastructure in recent hours,” he concluded.