Macron says EU to intensify Russia sanctions, Ukraine aid

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday reaffirmed that the European Union would intensify sanctions against Russia and boost military support for Ukraine after overnight strikes killed 17 civilians in Kyiv, condemning Moscow's actions as a "policy of terror."

"In Kyiv and its surrounding region, Russia has once again chosen to target civilians. This policy of terror, carried out through missile and drone strikes, is unacceptable," Macron wrote on the social media platform X. He stressed that Moscow must pay the price and be held accountable "for its crimes."

Brussels vows sustained pressure

Macron emphasized that the EU and its partners would not yield to fatigue or intimidation, pledging continued solidarity with Ukraine. "The European Union and its partners will continue to increase pressure on Russia, notably through new sanctions, while strengthening military support for Ukraine so that it can defend itself and protect its population," he added.

The French leader's comments came hours after the latest bombardment of the Ukrainian capital, which has faced repeated aerial assaults throughout the winter. Western capitals are currently debating further assistance packages amid concerns about sustained support for the conflict.

Casualties in overnight assault

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that 17 people were killed and 44 injured in the overnight strikes targeting Kyiv and the surrounding region. The assault involved 24 ballistic missiles, four Tsirkon and Oniks missiles, and 115 drones, many of them jet-powered, Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram.