President Emmanuel Macron said France would step up military and humanitarian support to Ukraine during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday.
Macron reiterated his "strong concern" over Russia's bombing of Ukrainian cities and the "unbearable situation" in the southeastern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the French presidency added in its statement.
Russia denies targeting civilians in what it calls it "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Ukraine's military said Russian forces pounded Ukraine's eastern Donbas region on Saturday but failed to capture three target areas, while Moscow said Western sanctions on Russia and arms shipments to Ukraine were impeding peace negotiations.
Tanzania's Hassan declared landslide winner in election marred by violence
Vietnam's ancient town Hoi An works to restore tourism after devastating floods
Indian temple stampede kills nine, injures several
Turkey to host Gaza meeting amid ceasefire concerns
