France threatens with new sanctions: Macron demands a ceasefire from Putin
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that sanctions will be imposed on Russia in the coming days if it does not comply with the ceasefire, La Repubblica informs.
"We want to impose sanctions against Russia in the coming days, in coordination with the United States, if it does not comply with the ceasefire," Macron stated.
He also said that he currently does not know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Istanbul for negotiations. Everyone is still waiting for Russia’s response.
"Our security is at stake in Ukraine. We want a ceasefire on land, at sea, and in the air for 30 days. Russia wants the issue of a ceasefire to be discussed in Türkiye," the French president added.
Talks in Istanbul
Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to support the initiative proposed by Ukraine, the United States, and the countries of the Coalition of the Willing for a ceasefire starting on May 12. Instead, he expressed readiness to resume peace talks in Istanbul on May 15 — at the stage where they were halted in 2022.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed his openness to dialogue, but on the condition that Russia agrees to the ceasefire beginning May 12. Later, Zelenskyy stated that he seeks direct negotiations with Putin, emphasizing that he would not engage in dialogue with other Russian representatives. This position was confirmed by Presidential Office advisor Mykhailo Podolyak.
Meanwhile, the US President’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, warned that if Russia rejects the ceasefire, the West will impose unprecedented sanctions. According to him, the new restrictions would be the harshest ever implemented.
The European Union is expecting Putin to attend the negotiations with Zelenskyy in Istanbul. Otherwise, Russia will face additional sanctions.
