PARIS

France on Monday announced its decision to expel "many Russian diplomats" hours after President Emmanuel Macron called for fresh sanctions in the light of alleged atrocities carried out by Russian forces in Bucha, near Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.

In a brief statement, the Foreign Ministry said many Russian diplomatic personnel based in France "whose activities are contrary to our security interests" will be expelled.

The statement said this latest move is "part of a European approach."

"Our first responsibility is always to ensure the safety of French people and Europeans," it said, without giving details on the numbers of diplomats or the exact reason for their expulsion.

A report in BFMTV news said the action will impact 35 Russian diplomats.

Earlier in the day, Macron said in response to news reports out of Bucha that there must be a "new series of sanctions and very clear measures." He underlined that the deaths of numerous civilians in the liberated city of Bucha constituted war crimes for which he holds the Russian army responsible.

The Russian war against Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24, has met international outrage, with the European Union, US, and UK among others implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,430 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,097 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.

More than 4.21 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.