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.
Americans mark 25 years since September 11 attacks amid grief, reflection
Nigeria parliament boycotts South Africa events over anti-migrant attacks
Sydney Airport flights disrupted due to air traffic controller shortage
Philippine firefighters enter charred ferry as search continues for dozens missing
Modi, Putin hold talks in New Delhi on trade, defence
