France President, Emmanuel Macron has vowed to maintain pressure on Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine, despite a temporary easing of sanctions by the United States aimed at calming surging global oil prices.

Speaking in Paris, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron said Russia should not expect relief from Western pressure because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Washington recently allowed limited sales of Russian oil already at sea as prices climbed above 100 dollars per barrel following disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions involving Iran.

Zelensky warned the move could strengthen Moscow’s war effort, saying it might provide Russia with about 10 billion dollars to fund the conflict.