Macron Promises Stronger International Pressure on Russia in the Coming Days
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged that Ukraine’s allies will increase their efforts to exert pressure on Russia in the coming days to push for a ceasefire in the ongoing war.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the Paris Match.
Macron stated that the next 8 to 10 days will see a significant escalation of diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia.
“We will increase the pressure on Russia within the next week or so. However, I remain cautious about a ceasefire because much of the outcome depends on Moscow’s response,” Macron said, emphasizing that any resolution hinges on the Russian government's willingness to engage.
Despite growing international efforts, particularly from the U.S., to broker a ceasefire, Russia has refused to commit to a full 30-day truce. On April 26, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested imposing more severe sanctions, including "banking or secondary sanctions," as part of the continued pressure on Moscow after failed peace talks.
“We must be united and resolute. Thanks to the recent meeting in the Vatican, we have managed to bring pressure back onto Russia,” Macron added, referring to the high-level talks held between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral.
Macron also condemned the idea of forcing Ukraine into a peace deal that would involve substantial concessions without holding Russia accountable for its actions. He stressed that the international pressure must not solely target Ukraine. “We cannot allow pressure to be applied only to Ukraine; that would be unfair and ineffective,” Macron asserted.
The United States has reportedly considered acknowledging Russia's control of Crimea, among other significant concessions, including limiting Ukraine’s future NATO membership. On April 27, Trump claimed that Zelenskyy might be willing to cede Crimea to Russia. This statement has sparked concerns about the potential for Ukrainian territorial losses in any peace negotiations.
“We must remain firm and, with the U.S., be prepared to escalate our stance against Russia, including potential sanctions, to secure a ceasefire,” Macron said, highlighting the need for a tough response.
As the situation develops, Macron's call for a united and strong stance against Russia appears to signal an intensification of the pressure campaign, with the next few days crucial in determining the future of peace talks.
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