Macron Threatens New Sanctions on Russia as EU Pushes for Ceasefire

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday warned that the European Union could impose new sanctions on Russia in the coming days if Moscow refuses to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking to a French news channel, Macron said the proposed measures could target Russia’s financial services and energy sectors.

“We intend to impose new sanctions against Russia in the coming days,” Macron stated, emphasizing ongoing coordination with European allies.

Macron’s comments followed a similar warning from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who also indicated that key sectors such as energy and financial markets could be affected. Merz described the sanctions as a “significant tightening” in response to Russia’s continued aggression.

On Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the European Commission had been asked to draft proposals for new punitive measures. Over the weekend, leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Poland issued a joint warning to the Kremlin, demanding a ceasefire or face further consequences.

Despite mounting international pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin remained defiant. Instead of agreeing to the EU’s terms, Putin called for direct peace talks with Ukraine to be held in Istanbul on May 15.

U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly backed the proposed talks, complicating the EU’s united front. Trump even hinted at attending the meeting himself—a move warmly welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“I supported President Trump with the idea of direct talks with Putin,” Zelenskyy said Monday, adding that Ukraine would welcome Trump’s presence in Turkey.

With geopolitical tensions intensifying, all eyes now turn to Istanbul, where the outcome of a potential ceasefire meeting could reshape the trajectory of the war.