Macron reaffirms French support for Ukraine after call with Zelenskyy, criticises Russian escalation
France’s President Emmanuel Macron
Abdullateef Fowewe
French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm France’s “solidarity and full support” for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.
In a statement shared via X on Monday, Macron stated that Russia “is in an impasse on the front” yet “obstinately refuses all calls for a ceasefire and makes the irresponsible choice to intensify its strikes against infrastructure and civilian targets, in violation of the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.”
He said France and Europe would continue to “take their responsibilities to support Ukraine and seek every space to spare civilians, obtain a reduction in hostilities and advance the idea of a just and durable peace, in respect of Ukraine’s rights and to strengthen security on our continent.”
The two leaders also discussed concrete support France can provide to help Ukraine intercept drones and counter Russia’s aggression.
Macron concluded, “We will not yield to intimidation or to Russia’s escalation, which must not be mistaken: time is working against it.”
The remarks come as the war, now in its fifth year, continues with heavy fighting.
Ukrainian military reports from early October 2026 described nearly 180 combat engagements in a single day, along with extensive Russian use of guided bombs, kamikaze drones, and artillery strikes on both frontline positions and populated areas.
Macron’s statement reflects France’s longstanding position of military, financial, and diplomatic backing for Ukraine while calling for a negotiated settlement that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty.
