French President Emmanuel Macron has called for US President Donald Trump’s anger towards Russia to result in action, specifically in the form of "massive" American-European sanctions following severe Russian attacks on Ukraine over the weekend.
President Trump, who claimed he would end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours after entering office, has accused Vladimir Putin of being "completely mad."
Speaking from Hanoi, Vietnam, Emmanuel Macron told the press that President Trump realises President Putin was lying when he claimed on the phone, or through his envoys, that he was prepared for peace.
Macron expressed hope that Trump’s anger, which has surfaced again in recent hours, would now translate into action.
In the past, the US leader has "lamented" and "condemned" strikes, noted the French president. Macron hopes Trump’s renewed outrage, shared by France, will lead to the US and Europe threatening a new, significantly larger sanctions package to deter Russia and end the conflict.
"It concerns the credibility of the United States," Macron remarked, asserting that he has discussed this with Trump.
On 10 May, several European leaders visited Kyiv, issuing Russia an ultimatum alongside the US for an immediate ceasefire, threatening “massive sanctions” if it refused.
However, Moscow dismissed this demand and showed willingness for direct negotiations with Ukraine, which have made little progress so far.
On Monday, the French president advocated once again for renewing this ultimatum.
