February 24, 2026 | SUNTV Global
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Russia of committing war crimes in Ukraine, claiming the Kremlin has systematically targeted civilians and infrastructure while causing unprecedented Russian military losses.
In a statement on his official X account on Tuesday, Macron reflected on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, saying Europe “awoke to the sound of Russian bombs falling on Ukraine,” calling it “a war of aggression chosen by Russia, in blatant defiance of international law, sovereignty, and human life.”
Macron condemned Moscow for deliberately attacking schools, hospitals, and energy facilities, plunging Ukrainian families “into cold and terror.” He highlighted the human cost of the conflict: 15,000 Ukrainian civilians dead, thousands of children forcibly displaced, and widespread reports of violence, rape, and torture.
“Four years, and thousands of Ukrainian children torn from their land and their families,” Macron said, emphasizing Ukraine’s resilience despite the devastation.
Contrary to Moscow’s early predictions of a swift conquest, Macron noted that only 1% of Ukrainian territory remains under Russian control since November 2022, with Ukraine even reclaiming some ground last month. He alleged that Russia has suffered over 1.2 million casualties—the highest for Moscow since World War II—and is reportedly recruiting untrained fighters from Africa to sustain its war effort.
Describing the invasion as a “triple failure: military, economic, and strategic,” Macron argued it has ironically strengthened NATO and unified Europe—the very outcomes Russia sought to prevent.
France and Europe have mobilized €170 billion in support for Kyiv since the war began, including a €90 billion loan agreed at the European Council last December, providing predictable funding for the next two years. Macron reaffirmed continued military aid, equipment deliveries, training programs, and the reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defenses and counter-drone capabilities.
“Ukraine is the first line of defence of our continent. France and Europe stand resolutely by its side,” Macron said, pledging to maintain sanctions on Russia and counter its “shadow fleet” operations used to bypass oil export restrictions.
Speaking directly to Ukrainians, he added: “To those who believe they can count on our fatigue: they are mistaken. We are, and will remain, by Ukraine’s side.”
