Lisbon: French President Emmanuel Macron has defended the decision to support Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia, amid a heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

According to Anadolu Agency, the dispute arose over Zelenskyy's skepticism about Trump's capability to negotiate a lasting peace deal to end the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has persisted for three years. The disagreement led to Zelenskyy leaving the White House and the cancellation of a scheduled signing ceremony for a deal on critical minerals, along with a press conference.

Macron, speaking to reporters in Portugal, emphasized the justification for backing Ukraine and sanctioning Russia, stating, "There is an aggressor which is Russia and an attacked people which is Ukraine." He reiterated the correctness of the international community's stance and vowed continued support for Ukraine.

He further expressed gratitude toward those who have supported Ukraine and recognized the efforts of those who have been involved in the conflict from its inception.