French President Emmanuel Macron has said Russia has not observed any energy truce, stating that Moscow continues to bomb Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire.
The Macron Russia energy truce assessment directly contradicts Trump’s claim and underscores the gap between the American president’s announcements and the reality on the ground.
THE STATEMENT
Speaking to journalists at the Paris Motor Show, Macron was unequivocal. “Over the past 48 hours, I have not seen any sign of Russia observing any energy truce,” he said.
He added: “We can only reopen discussions on the energy situation if there is a genuine ceasefire that is observed by both sides.”
Macron emphasised that France would not change its position without evidence of Russian compliance. “I see no factual reason to change our position. Russia continues to strike both civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine. So yes to seeking a ceasefire on energy, but no to submitting to the Russian threat,” he said.
Macron said he would speak with Trump later in the day.
THE BACKSTORY: TRUMP’S CEASEFIRE CLAIM
Trump announced Sunday on Truth Social that an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine was in effect immediately, adding: “Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!”
The announcement caught Ukrainian officials off guard. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the news was “news for me,” adding that Ukraine would agree if Russia did.
The Kremlin has not confirmed the agreement. The announcement came days after Trump announced a controversial deal to ease sanctions on Russian diesel, prompting outrage from Ukraine and European allies.
Trump has also called for Ukraine to replace Zelensky, saying it was “time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
THE CONTRADICTION
Hours after Trump’s announcement, Russian strikes hit power plants in Kyiv and Kharkiv, according to Zelensky. He said a drone hit a Kyiv power plant, leading to power outages in the capital, and that the CHP-5 power plant in Kharkiv was struck twice.
“Ukrainian skies have been infested with Russian ‘shaheds’ all day today,” Zelensky said. “There have been glide bomb strikes and strikes on our energy infrastructure too.”
Zelensky said Russia had launched more than 200 strikes on Ukraine’s electricity generation and transmission facilities this week alone.
WHY IT MATTERS
Macron’s intervention highlights the growing transatlantic rift over Russia policy. The United States, facing domestic fuel price pressures ahead of the midterm elections, has eased sanctions on Russian diesel and announced a ceasefire that one side has not confirmed and the other side has violated within hours.
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Europe, which has maintained sanctions and supported Ukraine, is watching the American pivot with alarm.Macron’s message is clear: France will not accept a ceasefire that exists only in press releases. It wants evidence. And so far, it says, there is none.
ValidViewNetwork reports that Macron will speak with Trump later today. The gap between Washington’s claims and Europe’s assessments continues to widen.