Russian gas was flowing to Europe on Friday (April 1) in spite of the deadline set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for foreign buyers to pay for Russian gas in roubles. This is Moscow's strongest threat in reaction to Western sanctions imposed in the aftermath of Ukraine invasion.

Putin signed an order setting a Friday deadline for buyers from “unfriendly” countries to pay for gas using roubles or be cut off, a demand Western customers have rejected as an attempt to rewrite contracts that call for payment in euros. Germany, the biggest buyer, called it “blackmail,” and had warned this week of a potential emergency if supplies were curtailed.

But there was no sign on Friday of an immediate interruption. Flows remained steady through two of the three main pipelines bringing Russian gas into Europe – Nord Stream 1 across the Baltic Sea, and into Slovakia over Ukraine.

Also Read | US warns against rising oil imports, New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil

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Flows through the other main route, the Yamal-Europe pipeline over Belarus, had reversed direction, now bringing gas from Germany to Poland, but this occurs occasionally and did not necessarily indicate a new policy.

Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned gas giant, said it was continuing to supply Europe via Ukraine in line with requests from consumers that were down only fractionally from Thursday.

A source had told Reuters that some contracts involved gas being delivered before payments were due, suggesting the taps might not be turned off immediately.

After failing to capture a single major Ukrainian city in five weeks of war, Russia says it has shifted its focus to the southeast, where it has backed separatists since 2014.

The area includes the port of Mariupol, scene of the war’s worst humanitarian emergency, where the United Nations believes thousands of people have died after more than a month under Russian siege and relentless bombardment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian gas was flowing to Europe on Friday (April 1) in spite of the deadline set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for foreign buyers to pay for Russian gas in roubles.

Russian gas was flowing to Europe on Friday (April 1) in spite of the deadline set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for foreign buyers to pay for Russian gas in roubles. This is Moscow's strongest threat in reaction to Western sanctions imposed in the aftermath of Ukraine invasion. Putin signed an order setting a Friday deadline for buyers from “unfriendly” countries to pay for gas using roubles or be cut off, a demand Western customers have rejected as an attempt to rewrite contracts that call for payment in euros. Germany, the biggest buyer, called it “blackmail,” and had warned this week of a potential emergency if supplies were curtailed. But there was no sign on Friday of an immediate interruption. Flows remained steady through two of the three main pipelines bringing Russian gas into Europe – Nord Stream 1 across the Baltic Sea, and into Slovakia over Ukraine. Also Read | US warns against rising oil imports, New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil × Flows through the other main route, the Yamal-Europe pipeline over Belarus, had reversed direction, now bringing gas from Germany to Poland, but this occurs occasionally and did not necessarily indicate a new policy. Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned gas giant, said it was continuing to supply Europe via Ukraine in line with requests from consumers that were down only fractionally from Thursday. A source had told Reuters that some contracts involved gas being delivered before payments were due, suggesting the taps might not be turned off immediately. After failing to capture a single major Ukrainian city in five weeks of war, Russia says it has shifted its focus to the southeast, where it has backed separatists since 2014. The area includes the port of Mariupol, scene of the war’s worst humanitarian emergency, where the United Nations believes thousands of people have died after more than a month under Russian siege and relentless bombardment. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian gas flows to Europe despite Putin's deadline of payment in roubles

Russia has a new demand- All foreign buyers must pay in Rouble for Russian gas this will be enforced from today, if the payments are not made the contracts will be halted.

Putin: Pay in roubles or we'll cut off your gas

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (March 31) that foreign buyers must pay for Russian gas in Russian currency roubles from April 1. He said that contracts would be halted if these payments were not made.

"In order to purchase Russian natural gas, they must open rouble accounts in Russian banks. It is from these accounts that payments will be made for gas delivered starting from tomorrow," Putin said in televised remarks.

"If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-reinforce-offensive-in-donbas-maintains-pressure-on-kyiv-nato-467184">Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO</a>

Europe is dependent on Russia for third of its natural gas supply. This gives Russia leverage to hit back against the Western sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of Ukraine invasion.

His decision to enforce rouble payments has boosted the Russian currency, which fell to historic lows after Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on the Feb. 24 but has since recovered.

Western companies and governments have rejected the move as a breach of existing contracts, which are set in euros or dollars. France's economy minister said France and Germany were preparing for a possible scenario that Russian gas flows could be halted - something that would plunge Europe into a full-blown energy crisis.

An order signed by Putin set out a mechanism for buyers to transfer foreign currency to a special account at a Russian bank, which would then send roubles back to the foreign buyer to make payment for the gas.

He said the switch was meant to strengthen Russia's sovereignty, and it would stick to its obligations on all contracts.

Putin also said Western nations will try to find new grounds to sanction Russia, adding that his country must aim to retain jobs and to create new ones. The Russian president also said that the United States was profiting from the global turbulence, adding that of U.S. military complex companies were on the rise.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (March 31) that foreign buyers must pay for Russian gas in Russian currency roubles from April 1. He said that contracts would be halted if these payments were not made.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (March 31) that foreign buyers must pay for Russian gas in Russian currency roubles from April 1. He said that contracts would be halted if these payments were not made. "In order to purchase Russian natural gas, they must open rouble accounts in Russian banks. It is from these accounts that payments will be made for gas delivered starting from tomorrow," Putin said in televised remarks. "If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped." Also Read | Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO Europe is dependent on Russia for third of its natural gas supply. This gives Russia leverage to hit back against the Western sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of Ukraine invasion. His decision to enforce rouble payments has boosted the Russian currency, which fell to historic lows after Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on the Feb. 24 but has since recovered. Western companies and governments have rejected the move as a breach of existing contracts, which are set in euros or dollars. France's economy minister said France and Germany were preparing for a possible scenario that Russian gas flows could be halted - something that would plunge Europe into a full-blown energy crisis. An order signed by Putin set out a mechanism for buyers to transfer foreign currency to a special account at a Russian bank, which would then send roubles back to the foreign buyer to make payment for the gas. He said the switch was meant to strengthen Russia's sovereignty, and it would stick to its obligations on all contracts. Putin also said Western nations will try to find new grounds to sanction Russia, adding that his country must aim to retain jobs and to create new ones. The Russian president also said that the United States was profiting from the global turbulence, adding that of U.S. military complex companies were on the rise. (With inputs from agencies)

Pay in roubles for Russian gas April 1 onwards, Putin tells foreign buyers

Russia is yet to capture the capital city of Kyiv and the Russian forces are in some places being pushed back by the Ukrainian forces. In the latest, according to the American intelligence Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly has been misled.

United States: Putin misled on how war progressed

Donald Trump may be out of the White House but the 45th American president is hardly ever out of the news and this time around he has a message for Vladimir Putin he's seeking the Russian President's help.

Donald Trump asks Vladimir Putin for a political favor

After Germany sounded an alarm over a possible gas crunch in Europe, Russia has now allowed Berlin to pay for Russian gas and euros or dollars.

Berlin to pay for gas supplies in Euros; 'No change for EU,' Putin tells Scholz

Ukraine and Russia are currently involved in peace talks with Moscow promising to cut back military activity. However, former Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko believes Russia cannot be trusted.

Poroshenko served as Ukraine's president from 2014 to 2019. He led Ukraine through the first phase of the war when Russia occupied Crimea. Three years after leaving office, Poroshenko has taken on a different role - the role of a soldier. Since the invasion, Ukraine's former president has been out on the streets of Kyiv dressed in military fatigue and equipped with a weapon.

WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke exclusively with Poroshenko even as he was on duty in battle fatigue on the streets of Kyiv.

WION: You have been on the frontlines since the invasion began. How are you doing? Are you safe?

Petro Poroshenko: Me, together with the Ukrainian people are soldiers now. We are doing our best to stop the Russian aggression and to throw him out from Ukrainian soil and to defend and protect our people. Now, you can hear the Russian artillery fire right now. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Tell us about where you are standing at the moment - you say this site has become a symbol for Ukraine, tell us more about it and what is it like living through the war?

Poroshenko: &nbsp;This is the very famous trading centre near Kiev, Retroville, and the civilian housing district. Less than 10 km from here we have Russian tanks. We have fighting there as our troops are freeing Iripine from Russian occupants.&nbsp;

They have erased several areas that were symbol of new Ukraine, great architecture, the residential area which is completeley destroyed. And nobody can explain why they are here. But we are protecting our land, our people, our future, and we thank the world for solidarity with us. and this is why we will definitely win.

WION: As president you led the first war with Russia...Did you ever think that a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine was possible?

Poroshenko: When I was elected president, Crimea was already occupied, Donbass was already occupied. And believe me, this was not a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it was a war. The volume of the operations was very big and I am proud that we stopped the Russian troops then, we released two-thirds of occupied Donbass. We protected the country through very different means, from army to diplomatic means.&nbsp;

I am very proud that since 2014, we created a new country and brought the Army together including Ukrainian volunteers and created a new municipality structure because of decentralisation and that is why we surprised the world. Because Putin promised that within 36 hours he would capture Kyiv. Tomorrow would be five disastrous weeks of war for Russia. For five weeks the Ukrainian Army and people have been fighting against, as they said the second biggest army in the world.

We surprised the world. We demonstrated that the Ukrainian Army is a unique unit. All the countries are against Russia. Because this is not possible, a compromise. They want us dead, the Russians want to erase Ukraine from the world map but we simply want to live. That's why it's not possible to have a compromise.&nbsp;

I am proud of the last eight years and I am proud of my country including my president. The Army, the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian cultural and religious sphere that helped us to unite the nation.

WION: Mr Poroshenko are you safe?

Poroshenko: Nobody is safe in Kyiv but here it is definitely not safe but we have lived in these conditions for 35 days.

WION: We appreciate your courage sir to do this interview in such difficult conditions is no mean feat. In the past, you have called Russia's President Vladimir Putin "a crazy maniac". What message would you like to send to him today?

Poroshenko: I haven't changed my mind. It is impossible to explain why he is doing this. He is inadequate, unpredictable, crazy. He should be behind bars of the international criminal court

WION: What do you make of the actions of the west so far? do you believe their reluctance to act against Russian energy supplies has extended this war?

Poroshenko: I think the world has surprised Putin. I don't think Putin expected the world would be so united. We need global solidarity and several things - we need the land-lease act to supply Ukraine with everything from nutrition to ammunition. We need closed skies against Russian planes. We also need sanctions and embargo against Russia.

I would like to ask India. We definitely insist that we should stop paying to Russia money for financing the war in Ukraine because every single billion-dollar Russia will receive for their oil, they will receive $1 billion dollars a day which means more than 300 Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine for one day. We definitely welcome the decision of the United States, UK, EU and Germany to significantly decrease gas consumption and oil consumption.

It is my request to India, they say the oil is extremely cheap and it is possible to buy $25 a barrel and you buy a small portion but for one or two days of your consumption - please stop. This is the victim Ukraine asking your government. Please stop buying Russian oil.

WION: You say India is buying oil from Russia but what will you say to Europe which has bought billions of dollars worth of gas from Russia since the beginning of the invasion. Is that not a betrayal?

Poroshenko: My request to the European Union member states is exactly the same. As a former president to my friends. We need a full embargo on Russian oil and gas whether it is the European Union or India or any other nation in the world including China. It was exactly my request to the European Union.

WION: What message would you like to send to India's current prime minister Narendra Modi?

Poroshenko: Dear prime minister if you will have an opportunity and demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, we request you to stop buying Russian oil and please be the guest of Ukraine. Could you make a visit to Kiev? It will be of great symbolic importance, think about it. This is a decisive step. This will demonstrate your leadership for Ukraine dear prime minister.

This is also a disastrous humanitarian crisis. If you could send medicines for Ukrainians it would be great. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Ukraine and Russia are currently involved in peace talks with Moscow promising to cut back military activity. However, former Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko believes Russia cannot be trusted.

Ukraine and Russia are currently involved in peace talks with Moscow promising to cut back military activity. However, former Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko believes Russia cannot be trusted. Poroshenko served as Ukraine's president from 2014 to 2019. He led Ukraine through the first phase of the war when Russia occupied Crimea. Three years after leaving office, Poroshenko has taken on a different role - the role of a soldier. Since the invasion, Ukraine's former president has been out on the streets of Kyiv dressed in military fatigue and equipped with a weapon. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke exclusively with Poroshenko even as he was on duty in battle fatigue on the streets of Kyiv. WION: You have been on the frontlines since the invasion began. How are you doing? Are you safe? Petro Poroshenko: Me, together with the Ukrainian people are soldiers now. We are doing our best to stop the Russian aggression and to throw him out from Ukrainian soil and to defend and protect our people. Now, you can hear the Russian artillery fire right now. WION: Tell us about where you are standing at the moment - you say this site has become a symbol for Ukraine, tell us more about it and what is it like living through the war? Poroshenko: This is the very famous trading centre near Kiev, Retroville, and the civilian housing district. Less than 10 km from here we have Russian tanks. We have fighting there as our troops are freeing Iripine from Russian occupants. They have erased several areas that were symbol of new Ukraine, great architecture, the residential area which is completeley destroyed. And nobody can explain why they are here. But we are protecting our land, our people, our future, and we thank the world for solidarity with us. and this is why we will definitely win. WION: As president you led the first war with Russia...Did you ever think that a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine was possible? Poroshenko: When I was elected president, Crimea was already occupied, Donbass was already occupied. And believe me, this was not a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it was a war. The volume of the operations was very big and I am proud that we stopped the Russian troops then, we released two-thirds of occupied Donbass. We protected the country through very different means, from army to diplomatic means. I am very proud that since 2014, we created a new country and brought the Army together including Ukrainian volunteers and created a new municipality structure because of decentralisation and that is why we surprised the world. Because Putin promised that within 36 hours he would capture Kyiv. Tomorrow would be five disastrous weeks of war for Russia. For five weeks the Ukrainian Army and people have been fighting against, as they said the second biggest army in the world. We surprised the world. We demonstrated that the Ukrainian Army is a unique unit. All the countries are against Russia. Because this is not possible, a compromise. They want us dead, the Russians want to erase Ukraine from the world map but we simply want to live. That's why it's not possible to have a compromise. I am proud of the last eight years and I am proud of my country including my president. The Army, the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian cultural and religious sphere that helped us to unite the nation. WION: Mr Poroshenko are you safe? Poroshenko: Nobody is safe in Kyiv but here it is definitely not safe but we have lived in these conditions for 35 days. WION: We appreciate your courage sir to do this interview in such difficult conditions is no mean feat. In the past, you have called Russia's President Vladimir Putin "a crazy maniac". What message would you like to send to him today? Poroshenko: I haven't changed my mind. It is impossible to explain why he is doing this. He is inadequate, unpredictable, crazy. He should be behind bars of the international criminal court WION: What do you make of the actions of the west so far? do you believe their reluctance to act against Russian energy supplies has extended this war? Poroshenko: I think the world has surprised Putin. I don't think Putin expected the world would be so united. We need global solidarity and several things - we need the land-lease act to supply Ukraine with everything from nutrition to ammunition. We need closed skies against Russian planes. We also need sanctions and embargo against Russia. I would like to ask India. We definitely insist that we should stop paying to Russia money for financing the war in Ukraine because every single billion-dollar Russia will receive for their oil, they will receive $1 billion dollars a day which means more than 300 Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine for one day. We definitely welcome the decision of the United States, UK, EU and Germany to significantly decrease gas consumption and oil consumption. It is my request to India, they say the oil is extremely cheap and it is possible to buy $25 a barrel and you buy a small portion but for one or two days of your consumption - please stop. This is the victim Ukraine asking your government. Please stop buying Russian oil. WION: You say India is buying oil from Russia but what will you say to Europe which has bought billions of dollars worth of gas from Russia since the beginning of the invasion. Is that not a betrayal? Poroshenko: My request to the European Union member states is exactly the same. As a former president to my friends. We need a full embargo on Russian oil and gas whether it is the European Union or India or any other nation in the world including China. It was exactly my request to the European Union. WION: What message would you like to send to India's current prime minister Narendra Modi? Poroshenko: Dear prime minister if you will have an opportunity and demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, we request you to stop buying Russian oil and please be the guest of Ukraine. Could you make a visit to Kiev? It will be of great symbolic importance, think about it. This is a decisive step. This will demonstrate your leadership for Ukraine dear prime minister. This is also a disastrous humanitarian crisis. If you could send medicines for Ukrainians it would be great. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine | Exclusive: Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION

There is cautious optimism from Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine amid war. Russia pledged to reduce attacks in Kyiv, Chernihiv.

Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion

Russia says it will reduce attacks in Kyiv, Chernihiv during peace talks with Ukraine

Russia is deepening its relationship with China as it becomes more isolated from global financial systems as well as supply chains. Recently, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Russia turns to China amid isolation, Lavrov on first China visit since invasion

It is day 34 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Tracking the Russian invasion: Ukrainian forces hold their ground on day 34 of the invasion

In a bid to disallow golden visas for sanctioned Russians, European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules. Meanwhile, Moscow is planning retaliatory measures.

European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules

In the latest clampdown by the Ukrainian President, Zelensky said that he is ready for the Donbas compromise to resolve the conflict with Russia.

The latest clampdown by Ukraine President: Zelensky says he is ready for the Donbas compromise

It is day 34 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Humanitarian aid for Ukraine is dwindling as locals struggle without food, water & utilities.

Humanitarian aid for Ukraine dwindling as locals struggle without food, water & utilities

On the second day of Poland's trip, Joe Biden has delivered a remark and said Putin is a 'butcher'. After this unscripted remark, the question is arising that 'Will Biden's remarks affect peace talks'?

Biden's unscripted remarks on Putin amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine, Russia are all set to hold face-to-face meetings after almost two weeks amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine-Russia set to hold first face-to-face meeting after over 2 weeks

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is going to visit India, a visit that comes amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The visit will be the first high-level meeting since the Ukraine invasion.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to visit India amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is day 34 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Residential areas have been hit hard in Bashtanka.

A month of the brutal Russian assault on Ukraine: Residential areas hit in Bashtanka

Kremlin had confirmed Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's role in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Now, reports suggest that he has been hit by suspected chemical weapons poisoning.

Reports: Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich hit by suspected chemical weapons poisoning

It is day 34 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Allegations of war crimes by Russia is mounting.

The fight for Mariupol: Allegations of war crimes by Russia in Ukraine rise

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has opened the door for neutrality in peace talks with Russia. Meanwhile, Joe Biden statement on Putin's ouster from power has enraged the Kremlin. Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

On the second day of Poland's trip, Joe Biden has delivered a remark and said Putin is a 'butcher'. After this unscripted remark, question is arising that 'Will Biden's remarks affect peace talks'?

Ukraine under attack: Will Biden's remarks affect peace talks?

It is day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, powerful explosions rocked the city of Lviv.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Smoke engulfs Lviv after powerful explosions rock the city

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power.

"I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel.

Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp.

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A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia.

"We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means.

"If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-was-the-us-president-id-threaten-to-drop-a-nuclear-bomb-on-russia-trump-465947">If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump</a>

The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol.

President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach.

"Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment.

"The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'.

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power. "I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel. Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp. × A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia. "We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means. "If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol. President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach. "Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment. "The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe

During a speech in Europe on Saturday, US President Joe Biden pleaded with the Russian people to resist Vladimir Putin's ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that the Russian people "are not our enemy."&nbsp;

"I've always spoken directly and honestly to you, the Russian people. Let me say this if you're able to listen: You, the Russian people, are not our enemy," Biden said in Warsaw, Poland.

He added: "I refuse to believe that you welcome the killing of innocent children and grandparents or that you accept hospitals, schools, maternity wards – for God's sake – being pummeled with Russian missiles and bombs."

Several missiles blasted the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, approximately 45 miles from Poland, during Biden's visit to Warsaw. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-meet-ukrainian-ministers-in-first-face-to-face-meeting-since-russias-invasion-465684">Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion</a>

Thousands of people have died and thousands more have been displaced as a result of Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian forces have also been accused of war crimes in Ukraine, where they have targeted schools and hospitals.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Joe Biden delivers remarks from Warsaw, says Putin is strangling democracy &amp; World order

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Biden also urged on Russians who were alive under the Soviet Union and learned about it from their families to speak up about Putin's actions in Ukraine, saying they are "not the deeds of a great nation."&nbsp; 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mine-like-object-found-floating-off-black-sea-465722">'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

During a speech in Europe on Saturday, US President Joe Biden pleaded with the Russian people to resist Vladimir Putin's ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that the Russian people "are not our enemy.

During a speech in Europe on Saturday, US President Joe Biden pleaded with the Russian people to resist Vladimir Putin's ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that the Russian people "are not our enemy." "I've always spoken directly and honestly to you, the Russian people. Let me say this if you're able to listen: You, the Russian people, are not our enemy," Biden said in Warsaw, Poland. He added: "I refuse to believe that you welcome the killing of innocent children and grandparents or that you accept hospitals, schools, maternity wards – for God's sake – being pummeled with Russian missiles and bombs." Several missiles blasted the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, approximately 45 miles from Poland, during Biden's visit to Warsaw. Also Read | Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion Thousands of people have died and thousands more have been displaced as a result of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have also been accused of war crimes in Ukraine, where they have targeted schools and hospitals. Watch | Joe Biden delivers remarks from Warsaw, says Putin is strangling democracy & World order Biden also urged on Russians who were alive under the Soviet Union and learned about it from their families to speak up about Putin's actions in Ukraine, saying they are "not the deeds of a great nation." Also Read | 'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea (With inputs from agencies)

Russian people, are not our enemy, US President Joe Biden says

U.S. President Joe Biden minced no words as called Russian President Vladimir Putin a butcher. He also said that Putin cannot remain in power.

The U.S. warns against conflict on NATO soil amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is day 32 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukraine called Poland to send warplanes.

Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed nuclear forces on high alert. Recently, NATO warned that Russia can't win nuclear war.

The threat of a nuclear war: Russia reasserts rights to use nukes

Ukraine war has reverberated in Taiwan. Matsu Islanders from Taiwan fear Chinese action. Matsu islands are currently controlled by Taiwan.

Ukraine war reverberates in Taiwan: Matsu islanders fear Chinese action

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has stated more limited goals. It signals at focusing on liberating Ukraine's Donbas region for now.

Russia: Complete focus on liberating Ukraine's Donbas region

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky has reiterated calls for talks with Russia. This comes at a time when several rounds of talks have remained inconclusive.

Ukraine President Zelensky reiterates calls for talks with Russia

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