"Unfortunately we're still facing the same Russian logic making maximalist demands, wanting Ukraine to surrender and intensifying siege warfare," Le Drian told newspaper Le Parisien.
Its chief negotiator, Mikhailo Podolyak, tweeted that a 15-point draft peace plan published by the Financial Times"represents the requesting position of the Russian side. Nothing more. The Ukrainian side has its own positions." Blasts hit a theatre in the besieged city of Mariupol overnight. More than 1,000 civilians were thought to be sheltering inside. Details of any casualties are still unknown.
Le Drian said that European aid to Ukraine, including weapons deliveries, would not be deterred by Russian leader Vladimir Putin's threats to strike the convoys or his nuclear sabre-rattling.