France, Feb. 24 -- Macron has become one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters within the European Unionand one of the fiercest critics of Russia.

"This war is a triple failure for Russia: militarily, economically and strategically," Macron said on X, underlining that 15,000 Ukrainian civilians had been killed in the four years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion on 24 February, 2022.

"One day, Russians will realise the enormity of the crime committed in their name, the futility of the pretexts invoked and the devastating long-term effects on their country."

The French president reiterated France's unwavering support for Ukraine.

"Because Ukraine is the first line of defence of our continent, France and Europe stand resolutely by...