Macron says Russia ‘mistaken’ if thinks West Asia war offers it respite
The Hindu
Macron warns Russia it's "mistaken" to think West Asia war will ease sanctions pressure amid rising oil prices.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (March 13, 2026) said Russia was “mistaken” if it thought the West Asia war would ease pressure on it after Washington partially rolled back sanctions against Moscow to cool oil prices.
His comments came after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Paris aimed at ramping up pressure on Russia to end its four-year invasion.
“Today Russia may believe that the war in Iran will offer it respite. It is mistaken,” Mr. Macron said.
U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region have virtually halted transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices spiralling.
Also read: West Asia war updates on March 13, 2026
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Explore the timeline of recent ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating U.S.-Israeli tensions with Iran.