French President Emmanuel Macron said that respecting Russia was important for a diplomatic solution when the fighting in Ukraine stops, adding that he believed Paris would play a mediating role to end the conflict.

Macron has sought to maintain dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February.

Macron's position has been repeatedly criticized by some partners in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region, which they see as undermining efforts to pressure Putin to come to the negotiating table.

On Saturday, Macron told a number reporters that, "We must not insult Russia so that on the day the fighting stops, we can find a way out through diplomatic means. I am convinced that France's role is to be a mediating power."

Macron has been speaking with Putin regularly since the war began, as part of efforts to secure a ceasefire and start meaningful negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

"I think, and I told him, that he is making a historic and fundamental mistake for his people, for himself and for history," Macron said in the press conference.

France supports Ukraine militarily and financially, but Macron has not yet gone to Kyiv to offer token political support like other EU leaders, which Ukraine would like to do.

Paris sends Ukraine offensive weapons, including Caesar howitzers. Paris has said he has asked arms manufacturers to speed up production.