Macron Demands Action if Russia Rejects Peace

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a strong condemnation of Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine on Sunday, demanding “strong action” should Moscow continue to reject peace negotiations. The call came days after a devastating Russian missile strike killed nine children in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Macron highlighted the continued targeting of civilians despite international efforts – including those from the United States and European nations – to broker a ceasefire. He stated Russia is “continuing to murder children and civilians,” specifically referencing the April 4th attack in Kryvyi Rih, and emphasized the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities.

The missile strike on Friday claimed the lives of 20 people in total, including a three-year-old boy, impacting a residential area near a children’s playground. Macron acknowledged Ukraine’s acceptance of a complete ceasefire proposal put forward by former US President Donald Trump, and the ongoing diplomatic work by European nations, but asserted Russia is escalating the conflict “with renewed intensity, with no regard for civilians.”

Zelenskyy reported Sunday that Moscow has intensified aerial bombardments following a “massive” overnight missile and drone attack that resulted in two further deaths. He echoed the sentiment that current pressure on Russia remains inadequate.

Macron’s call for “strong action” signals a potential shift towards a more assertive stance against Russia. While the specific nature of such action remains undefined, the statement underscores growing international frustration with the stalled peace process and the escalating humanitarian cost of the conflict. The continued targeting of civilians, particularly children, is a deeply troubling development and demands a robust response from the international community. It’s becoming increasingly clear that diplomatic efforts alone may not be sufficient to compel Russia to de-escalate and engage in meaningful negotiations.