French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that he had reiterated France’s support for Ukraine and its people during a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Macron argued that Russia was escalating the conflict because it had become bogged down on the battlefield. He called for Ukraine’s partners to collectively provide the resources needed to defend the country and protect civilians and infrastructure.

The French leader also renewed his commitment to assisting Ukraine in its search for a solid and lasting peace. He said France would continue to shoulder its responsibilities.