French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia was seeking to “break Ukraine through terror” following a Russian “double strike” on a shopping centre in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih that caused a “very large number of civilian casualties.”
“Russia seeks to break Ukraine through terror: it will not succeed. United alongside Ukraine, we will ensure that law and justice prevail over force,” Macron said on X on Saturday.
Macron said he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the attack and expressed his “horror” and “emotion.”
“With these strikes and those this week against Kiev, Russia is continuing and intensifying the crime of its aggression,” he added.
“By systematically targeting civilians, and by choosing intimidation and escalation, Russia is likely seeking to project strength but is above all revealing an admission of weakness,” Macron said.
Macron said France would strengthen its support for Ukraine by delivering interceptors and continuing cooperation under the Anti-Missile Coalition.
He called on other countries with relevant capabilities to join the effort. “It is essential that all countries with capabilities at their disposal also join this effort.”
‘Coalition of the willing’
Zelenskyy said they agreed to accelerate the delivery of the latest French military equipment and missiles.
“Thank you for confirming your readiness to provide licenses for the production of missiles,” he wrote on X.
According to him, they discussed diplomatic efforts with Ukraine’s partners and communication with the team of US President Donald Trump, agreeing on steps that could create additional diplomatic opportunities.
The presidents also discussed the need for funding to support Ukraine’s defence this year and the next, as well as bilateral defence agreements that should be accelerated.
“We spoke for almost two hours today about all the most important issues,” he said.
“We highly appreciate that the President of France is ready to help communicate with our other partners who have the necessary missiles for Patriots.”
Macron called for continued pressure on Russia as long as it refuses to halt hostilities.
“We must also continue to increase the pressure on Russia as long as it chooses to refuse a cessation of hostilities and peace,” he said.
The French president said he and Zelenskyy also discussed preparations for a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” scheduled for Monday.
He said they reviewed efforts to pursue peace while respecting Ukraine’s rights and ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe.
