Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Russia is "mistaken" in its belief that the Middle East conflict will reduce the pressure it faces due to its actions in Ukraine. This statement comes in the wake of the United States' decision to partially roll back sanctions against Moscow to stabilize oil prices. Macron made these remarks during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to France24.com, the meeting between Macron and Zelensky in Paris aimed to focus on enhancing sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting its "shadow fleet" of tankers that are allegedly used to transport oil in violation of sanctions imposed following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Macron emphasized that the Group of Seven (G7) countries had reiterated their stance that rising oil prices should not lead to a reconsideration of the sanctions policy towards Russia.

Macron also addressed the recent temporary and limited waivers by the United States on some Russian oil products. He reiterated that the G7's position is to maintain the sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East does not warrant lifting these sanctions. The United States issued a 30-day waiver to allow countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea, a move that was met with criticism from Germany and other European allies but was welcomed by Moscow.

The discussions between Macron and Zelensky are expected to include diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. However, the Kremlin has criticized the planned meeting, stating that it would hinder the peace process and describing the idea of pressuring Russia as "absurd."

In related developments, US President Donald Trump mentioned on Monday the possibility of waiving "certain oil-related sanctions," though he did not explicitly refer to Russia. This comment followed a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States has proposed new trilateral peace talks with Russia and Ukraine, potentially taking place in Switzerland or Turkey, as indicated by Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president arrived in Romania on Thursday before heading to Paris, and he is expected to continue his European tour with a visit to Spain.