Macron urges Russia that “there must be no escalation.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that he has not spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin since incidents in the Ukrainian city of Bucha were revealed and reaffirmed his resolve to resume talks next week for a cease-fire if he is re-elected.

“I will have the opportunity, if the French women and men trust me, from next week to call him," he said while campaigning in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis ahead of the final round of polls for the presidential election on April 24.

Macron has been criticized by European leaders for interacting with Putin despite the Kremlin rejecting demands for a cease-fire or slowing the fighting in Ukraine. The calls for a cease-fire have yielded no results, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Macron said it was important for Europe to remain “united and vigilant” and continue dialogue with allies to send a clear message to Russia that “there must be no escalation.”