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Macron Calls Russian Attack on Ukrainian Mall a 'Confession of Weakness'
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

Macron Calls Russian Attack on Ukrainian Mall a 'Confession of Weakness'

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a Russian attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih.
  • Macron called the attack a "confession of weakness" by Moscow, stating that targeting civilians demonstrates intimidation and escalation rather than strength.
  • He emphasized the need to provide Ukraine with the means to defend its skies and reiterated France's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "horror" and "shock" to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a Russian attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Macron stated that Russia's systematic targeting of civilians and its choice of intimidation and escalation represent a "confession of weakness" rather than a projection of strength.

By systematically targeting civilians and opting for intimidation and escalation, Russia probably seeks to project strength, but above all signs a confession of weakness.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President commenting on the Russian attack on a Ukrainian shopping center.

Macron asserted that Russia's actions aim to project power but ultimately reveal a fundamental vulnerability. He warned that continued unity around Ukraine would be crucial for ensuring that "law and justice prevail over force." The French leader stressed the importance of equipping Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend its airspace and thwart the ongoing aggression.

In line with this commitment, Macron announced France's intention to send interceptors and continue cooperation efforts. This announcement follows the July 13 launch meeting of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition in Paris and a declaration of intent signed on November 17, 2025. Macron urged other nations with the means to contribute to this defense initiative.

It is crucial that all countries with the means also join this effort.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President urging international cooperation in supporting Ukraine's defense.

Looking ahead, Macron noted that a review of the pro-Kyiv mobilization efforts will take place on Monday during a meeting of the Coalition of Volunteers, co-led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The ultimate goal, according to the French president, is to achieve a peace that the Ukrainian people "legitimately aspire to, with respect for their rights and with all security guarantees for Ukraine and for our continent."

The Ukrainian people aspire to peace legitimately, with respect for their rights and with all security guarantees for Ukraine and for our continent.

— Emmanuel MacronFrench President outlining the conditions for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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