By Shweta Desai
PARIS (AA) – France’s president on Thursday strongly condemned the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, saying that Paris will work with its allies “to end the war.”
On Twitter, Emmanuel Macron called on Moscow to “immediately end its military operations.”
He added that France stands firmly in solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Late Wednesday, with fears of intervention running high, Macron reiterated to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy that France supports Kyiv's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“In economic and financial matters, in terms of defensive equipment, France will continue to provide its support,” said a readout of the phone call from the president’s office.
Macron had led mediation between Moscow and Kyiv in consultation with the US and European allies to de-escalate the conflict.
Anticipating an attack, early Thursday France warned its nationals to leave the country "without delay."
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement early Thursday of the start of military intervention seemed to overturn Macron’s previous accomplishments, including a cease-fire on the line of contact in the separatist-held Donbas region and a potential summit between Putin and US President Joe Biden.
The start of the intervention came just days after Russia recognized two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine, drawing international condemnation and announcements of tougher sanctions.
In recent months, Russia had amassed over 100,000 Russian troops around Ukraine, but repeatedly denied any intention of invading.