If Putin refuses to hold talks France will push for new curbs

France will push for new curbs

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will have “played” his US counterpart Donald Trump if the Kremlin chief fails to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.

Macron expressed hope that such a meeting would take place, but said if the Russian leader did not meet a Monday deadline to agree to the talks “it will show again President Putin has played President Trump”, and warned that France would push for new “primary and secondary sanctions” to pressure Moscow.

His comments came as diplomatic efforts to end the three-and-a-half-year conflict sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion of its neighbour appear to have lost steam after Trump moved to restore dialogue with Moscow at the start of his second presidency.

“I think this is not a good thing for us all. This cannot stay without response,” Macron said, after talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the south of France, saying they would both have new telephone talks with Trump at the weekend.

“I hope it (the meeting between Putin and Zelensky) takes place but if not... we will push for primary and secondary sanctions which will pressure Russia and force it to come to the negotiating table,” Macron said.

Macron also showed no regret for describing Putin earlier this month as an “ogre at our gates”, comments which angered Moscow.