Macron says "too early" to consider lifting Russia sanctions

French President Emmanuel Macron said it was "much too early" to consider lifting sanctions against Russia. Moscow has sought to get sanctions relief in exchange for peace deal guarantees.

Macron made the remarks alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Paris.

"We're not going to lift the sanctions, so it's much too early. Ultimately, sanctions depend solely on Russia's choice of aggression, and, therefore, their lifting depends solely on Russia's choice to comply with international law," he said alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Macron also announced that France would provide some €2 billion ($2.15 billion) of extra military aid to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky, in turn, said he expects serious decisions from the summit of the coalition supporting Ukraine in Paris on Thursday, which, in addition to Macron, will also be attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“Now is certainly not the time to ease pressure on Russia or weaken our unity for the sake of peace,” Zelensky said.