Overview
- Macron said the G7 will not revisit Russia sanctions and characterized the U.S. authorization to sell Russian oil held on ships until April 11 as an exceptional, limited step.
- Zelensky warned that the U.S. move could bolster Moscow financially and argued it does not aid prospects for peace.
- France pledged a leading role in pursuing Russia’s opaque “ghost fleet” used to evade sanctions and is advancing work on a new, 20th sanctions package.
- Macron affirmed the EU’s €90 billion loan commitment to Ukraine will be honored even as Hungary blocks initial disbursements tied to the Droujba pipeline dispute.
- The visit spotlighted growing defense cooperation, including a Romania–Ukraine plan to produce drones in Romania with partial EU SAFE funding and Ukraine’s sharing of anti‑drone expertise with partners.