French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an increase in sanctions against Russia if diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine fail.
Speaking after discussions at the White House, Macron emphasized the need for a united front, stating, “President Trump believes we can reach an agreement and that President Putin also desires peace.” However, he warned, “If this process is met with refusal, we must be prepared to escalate sanctions.”
Macron highlighted the effectiveness of recent sanctions on India, a major buyer of Russian energy, as a precedent. “The sanctions on India have had significant impact,” he noted.
The situation remains tense as Trump continues to pressure Ukraine for territorial concessions, aligning more closely with Putin’s stance than with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s demands for sovereignty.
Macron expressed hope for renewed dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting a potential summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky in the near future.