France warns Russia: Stop attacks or face consequences
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European leaders intensified pressure on Russia following devastating strikes on Ukrainian cities, with French President Emmanuel Macron leading calls for severe consequences if Moscow continues to reject peace negotiations.
The diplomatic push comes amid ongoing discussions between European leaders and Ukraine regarding the potential deployment of a pan-European peacekeeping force once hostilities cease. Macron’s stern warning to Russia marks an escalation in diplomatic rhetoric from Paris.
Taking to X, the French President denounced Russia’s recent attacks on Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih, which claimed at least 19 lives, including children, and left 75 people wounded in Friday’s assault.
“While Ukraine accepted President Trump’s proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire nearly a month ago, and as we work with all our partners to secure peace, Russia continues its war with renewed intensity, showing no regard for civilians,” Macron said.
Macron today in front of reporters with a map in his hands said that we need to bomb Russia 🙈🤦♂️ God 🙏 Bring back Charles De Gaulle 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uRyMdyiIZ8
— Roberto (@UniqueMongolia) May 28, 2024
“These Russian strikes must stop. A ceasefire must be reached as soon as possible. And strong action must follow if Russia continues to stall and reject peace,” he demanded.
“How much longer will Russia toy with peace offers from the United States and Ukraine, while continuing to kill children and civilians?” the French leader questioned.
While Macron didn’t specify what these “strong actions” might entail, his stance represents a significant shift from his initial position as one of the few Western leaders advocating dialogue with Moscow. He has since emerged as one of Europe’s most vocal hawks, even suggesting the possibility of using Western weaponry to target mainland Russia.
The Trump administration has achieved limited success in negotiating partial ceasefires, particularly regarding Black Sea shipping and energy infrastructure protection. However, securing a comprehensive ceasefire along the extensive 2,000-kilometer frontline remains challenging.
🇷🇺🇺🇦“#Russia won’t stop. #Europe has a God-given change to learn from #Ukraine’s mistakes,” warns Ukrainian soldier Vadym Adamov @adamovvd before returning to the front.
👉See the full interview: https://t.co/fmSyjsKMUZ@France24_en @FRANCE24 pic.twitter.com/oFVpMYPeN4
— The Debate – France 24 (@F24Debate) February 21, 2025
Reports indicate President Trump’s growing frustration with Putin’s reluctance to negotiate, with sources describing him as “pissed off” and “very angry.” The President has suggested possible economic measures against Moscow, including novel “secondary tariffs” on Russian oil purchases.
Moscow continues to demand preconditions for a ceasefire, including the lifting of international sanctions. The Kremlin also cites alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure as justification for their hesitancy, claiming seven such incidents occurred over the weekend.
Ukrainian President Zelensky maintains that Russia’s ongoing missile and drone attacks on civilian targets demonstrate their lack of genuine interest in peace negotiations.
Despite these challenges, diplomatic channels remain open. Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev expressed optimism about resuming talks with the Trump administration, crediting them with preventing “World War III.” However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly conveyed to Dmitriev that Trump expects Putin to demonstrate concrete commitment to peace promptly.
