Macron calls the Russian invasion of Ukraine a return to "imperialism"

The French President, Emmanuel MacronHe told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered a “return to imperialism”.

“What we have witnessed since February 24 is a return to the era of imperialism and the colonies. France rejects this and will persistently work for peace,” he said in New York.

Macron addressed the General Assembly hours after Russian allies said they would hold annexation referendums in occupied parts of Ukraine, a move denounced by Western powers.

European countries and the United States have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russiabut several developing countries have sought a middle ground, fearing that the Ukraine crisis is overshadowing other concerns.

“Those who are now silent about this new imperialism, or are secretly complicit in it, show a new form of cynicism that it is breaking the global order without which peace is not possible,” Macron said.