Russians Struggle to Advance, Macron Says on Bakhmut

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the G7 summit taking place in Japan provides an opportunity to persuade large developing countries from the Global South, such as India and Brazil, regarding the Ukraine conflict, Reuters reports.

Macron stated that the Hiroshima summit was "a summit of unity, especially for Ukraine, aimed at creating frameworks for peace that must be strong, not based on a ceasefire that could lead to a freezing of the conflict, and must align with international law."

"This war is not only European," said the French president. "It provides a chance to discuss and exchange opinions and to convince partners about the expansion of the G7... India, Brazil, Indonesia, and several other southern countries that often do not engage with the Ukraine issue."

He mentioned that Zelensky would explain the situation on the ground, while the G7, comprising the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Canada, would "emphasize the principles of the international order and the importance of adhering to the UN Charter."

"This allows Zelensky to present himself in front of the world’s powerful nations, which are sometimes susceptible to the influence of only one discourse. And I say this just a few weeks before the BRICS summit," Macron said, referring to the group of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

He declined to comment on the events in Bakhmut, the heavily damaged city in southern Ukraine which has been at the center of military operations for several months and which Russia recently claimed full control over.

"I will remain reasonable. The battle that began in December shows how difficult it is for the Russians to advance," the French president added.