In an interview extract released Saturday by US network CBS, Macron said international governments must be ready to impose sanctions in case of "unacceptable behaviour".
"Indeed, we have to sanction. This is what we did after (Russia annexed Crimea in 2014). I think we have to define clear red lines with Russia. This is the only way to be credible."
Will France's @EmmanuelMacron sanction Russia if Putin invades Ukraine?
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) April 17, 2021
"I think after an unacceptable behavior, indeed, we have to sanction...I think we have to define clear redlines with Russia," he tells @margbrennan
His interview Sunday, only on @cbs https://t.co/zhvbtLRknL pic.twitter.com/YQPWADnH3b
"I think that sanctions are not sufficient in themselves," he added, "but sanctions are part of the package. I do prefer constructive dialogue, but to have a constructive and efficient dialogue, you need credibility."
Russia is believed to have deployed tens of thousands of soldiers near its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. Clashes along the border, which had nearly ceased after a cease-fire reached last summer, have recently resumed.
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden announced financial sanctions against Moscow and the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats over a massive series of cyber attacks against US targets, as well as over Russian interference in American elections.
In addition, eight people linked to the "occupation" of Crimea were sanctioned.
But Biden also said he hopes to have a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming months.
On Friday, Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared their support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and called on Russia to rapidly withdraw its troops from the border region.
CBS said it will air the full interview with Macron on Sunday.
