Macron says future Russia sanctions depend on Ukraine talks outcome
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Macron says new Russia sanctions will depend on Ukraine talks ahead of Putin-Trump Alaska summit, as Zelensky rejects territorial concessions.
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French President Emmanuel Macron attends a video conference on Ukraine at the Fort de Bregancon in Bormes-les-Mimosas, southern France, Wednesday, August 13, 2025 (AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that any further sanctions against Russia will hinge on the outcome of upcoming negotiations over the Ukraine conflict, following a video conference between European leaders and US President Donald Trump.
“We have adopted a new package of sanctions. We are preparing another one. And I think this will depend on the negotiations in the coming days and weeks. But nothing can be ruled out,” Macron said in remarks broadcast on the Elysee Palace’s X account.
The French leader reiterated his desire to restore peace and lift all sanctions but stressed this would require Russia’s acceptance of a lasting settlement.
Trump to hold talks with Putin
The comments come ahead of a planned August 15 meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump in Alaska.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov revealed that during his recent visit to Russia, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff raised the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but Moscow proposed focusing on preparations for a bilateral summit instead.
Zelensky, for his part, said he would not agree to any territorial concessions in negotiations.
Tensions with allies ahead of the Alaska summit
Trump, increasingly impatient with how things have played out in the truce talks, has long said he does not see a ceasefire occurring until he meets Putin in person.
