French President Emmanuel Macron denounced Russia’s war in Ukraine as a return to “imperialism”, as he addressed the opening day of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

“What we have witnessed since February 24 is a return to the age of imperialism and colonies. France refuses this and will work persistently for peace.

We are all aware, as well, that negotiations will only be successful if Ukraine is liberated and its sovereignty is protected. Russia must now see that it cannot impose its will militarily even if there are fake pretend referenda in the territories that have been bombed and occupied”, - Emmanuel Macron told world leaders.

In his strongest remarks yet about the impact of the war, Macron said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “deliberately violated the U.N. Charter and the principle of sovereign equality of states”.

“The war is undermining the principle of our organization, is undermining the only possible world order, is undermining peace. Members of the U.N. Security Council must act so that Russia rejects the path of war and assesses the cost for itself and for all of us - and really, bring an end to this act of aggression”, - said French leader.

Macron also blasted nations that have remained “neutral” during the war, calling them out as “complicit”.

“Those who are silent now on this new imperialism, or are secretly complicit with it, show a new cynicism that is tearing down the global order without which peace is not possible”, - he added.