Macron urges Putin to cease attacks amid Kyiv devastation
French President Emmanuel Macron appealed on Thursday to Vladimir Putin to stop promoting peace slogans while continuing attacks on Ukraine. Earlier, the Russian leader was criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump.
What do you need to know?
- Macron's appeal to Putin: French President Emmanuel Macron urged Vladimir Putin to end his misleading peace rhetoric, emphasizing the need for a lasting and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
- Massive attack on Kyiv: Last night, there was an intense Russian airstrike on Kyiv, killing nine people and injuring over 70.
- U.S. proposal for Ukraine: The United States proposed a peace agreement to Ukraine, which included recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea. President Zelensky rejected this, as he does not acknowledge Russian authority over any part of Ukrainian territory.
"In Ukraine, they only want a single answer: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?" Macron said during a visit to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
The French president also noted that the frustration of the United States, stemming from the lack of a truce agreement, should be primarily directed at the Russian leader. He added that the current moment is not the right time to consider the issue of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
Massive attack on Kyiv. "Vladimir, STOP!"
On the night preceding Macron's statement, Russia launched a massive airstrike on Kyiv, resulting in the death of at least nine people and over 70 injuries. Due to the situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shortened his visit to the Republic of South Africa and is returning to the country.
On Monday, the United States proposed a peace agreement to Ukraine. One of its clauses included recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea. President Zelensky firmly stated that he would not accept Russian claims over any part of Ukrainian territory.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the brutal Russian attack. "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!" he wrote on the Truth Social portal.
