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Macron dismisses Russian demands as ‘coalition of the willing’ gathers in Paris for Ukraine talks

 French president rules out any lifting of sanctions and says European forces could be deployed to mark ‘clear support’  


Lifting Russian sanctions would be 'a serious mistake,' Germany's Scholz says

Outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz said in his press briefing that there was continued support for Ukraine, as he urged Russia to accept the ceasefire offer on the table.  


He criticised Moscow for “always adding” conditions to what is discussed, making him conclude that Russia “is not currently interested in real peace.”

Scholz also warned that removing sanctions from Russia “would be a serious mistake,” as he called for them to be maintained and tightened.

“It makes no sense to end the sanctions before the peace has actually been achieved,” he said, adding “unfortunately, we are still quite far from that.”  


Starmer says Russia 'is playing games,' hints at push for more sanctions

In his comments, Starmer said it was a “very constructive” meeting.

There was absolute clarity that Russia is trying to delay [peace], is playing games, and we have to be absolutely clear about that.

He says the leaders agreed that there was need for more support for Ukraine “to make sure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, both now and in further negotiations.”

Starmer also says there was “complete clarity that now is not the time for lifting of sanctions.”  


“Quite the contrary, what we discussed is how we can increase sanctions to support the US initiative, to bring Russia to the table through further pressure from this group of countries,” he said.

He says the meeting also discussed further its “military and operational” plans to support any ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, “whether on land, in the air or at sea.”

“What came out was strong from the meeting was so many countries standing, as they’ve stood for over three years now, with Ukraine in this crucial moment for as long as it takes for,” he said.  


https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/mar/27/macron-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-trump-tariffs-eu-greenland-vance#top-of-blog