ISTANBUL

Discussions aimed at determining Russia’s genuine readiness for peace will be launched “in line with what we decided last week,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday, vowing allies would remain united behind Ukraine and the principles of international law.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris after several hours of talks, Macron said the next phase of diplomacy will focus on compelling Moscow to provide “full clarity” to American mediators about its intentions.

US envoy Steve Witkoff was due in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, after US and Ukrainian officials held talks in Florida on Sunday.

“In line with what we decided last week, discussions will now be launched so that Russia can provide full clarity to the American mediators regarding its willingness for peace,” Macron said.

“I have no doubt that we will all remain united alongside Ukraine, in defense of international law, peace, and security for our Europe.”

He criticized Moscow for continuing its strikes on Ukrainian cities, calling Russia’s actions "an insult to rights and an obstacle to peace."

"At a time when we are talking about peace, Russia continues to kill and destroy," he said, referring to fresh Russian attacks, including deadly strikes on Dnipro earlier in the day.

Macron reiterated that any peace plan must be shaped with Kyiv. “There is no finalized peace plan today,” he stressed, adding that territorial questions “can only be finalized by President Zelensky,” while issues such as frozen assets, security guarantees, and EU sanctions “can only be finalized with the Europeans at the table.”

Macron confirmed that further talks involving the US and European partners will take place in the coming days to define the scope of American participation in long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

“We are in a situation where the United States has taken on a mediating role, and I commend the work carried out by the American team,” he said.

Macron also said there will be a new round of sanctions (under the EU framework) targeting Russian oil revenues and the so-called “ghost fleet” used to bypass shipping restrictions.

“This is the first time we’ve had such a comprehensive sanctions plan,” he said, adding that pressure on Russia’s energy sector “will be at the highest since the beginning of the war.”

The talks in Florida centered on determining where a potential peace agreement would establish the de facto border with Russia, according to two Ukrainian officials who spoke with the Axios news site.

Speaking after the meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the session was "productive" and "successful" as negotiations continue on a peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war.