French President Macron says the answer to ending the Ukraine war cannot be to cave in to Russian demands, but to add pressure

• Has opened direct line of communication with Russia.
• In talks with Germany’s Chancellor Merz and others on Nuclear arms.

Macron's comments suggest a firm stance against accommodating Russia, which may heighten tensions and instability in the geopolitical landscape. This could drive safer assets like gold higher while putting pressure on the Euro and risk-sensitive equities, as uncertainty increases. Markets may react to the news by reassessing their positions in currencies and commodities, especially those linked to energy and geopolitical risk.