French President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out lifting sanctions against Russia despite rising global oil prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Macron made the remarks on Friday during a joint news conference in Paris alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the French leader, current geopolitical developments do not justify easing economic pressure on Moscow.
“The situation in no way justifies lifting sanctions against Russia,” Macron said.
He also warned that Russia should not assume that the ongoing crisis involving Iran would reduce international pressure over the war in Ukraine.
Macron stated that Moscow would be mistaken if it believed that the conflict in Iran might offer it a strategic reprieve from Western sanctions.
“The context of rising oil prices must in no way lead us to reconsider our sanctions policy toward Russia. That is the position the Group of Seven has taken, and it is obviously the position of France and of Europe,” Macron added.
The French president also reaffirmed Paris’ continued commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russian forces. He said France would remain determined to provide Kyiv with the military equipment and assistance it requires.
Macron stressed that ongoing global tensions would not distract France from its support for Ukraine.
“Nothing will divert us from Ukraine,” he said, reiterating France’s determination to continue assisting Kyiv.
The remarks come amid a rapidly intensifying situation in the Middle East following joint military operations by Israel and the United States against Iran.
According to reports, the attacks began on February 28 and have resulted in significant casualties. The escalation reportedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with hundreds of other victims.
Iran responded to the strikes with a series of drone and missile attacks targeting locations in Israel as well as neighbouring countries including Jordan and Iraq, where American military assets are stationed. Several Gulf states that host United States military facilities were also reportedly targeted.
The widening conflict has raised concerns about global energy supply after Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz beginning on March 1.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most critical maritime chokepoints for global energy trade. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass through the waterway each day, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s crude oil supply.
In addition to oil shipments, nearly 20 percent of the global trade in liquefied natural gas is transported through the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to volatility in global energy markets, pushing oil prices higher and raising concerns among governments and investors about potential supply shortages.
Despite these economic pressures, Macron emphasised that Western nations remain committed to maintaining sanctions against Russia as part of efforts to pressure Moscow over its military actions in Ukraine.
The French president said the unity of Western allies remains essential in responding to both the conflict in Ukraine and the broader instability affecting international security.
Macron concluded by stressing that France and its partners would continue to support Ukraine while closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and global energy markets.
