European countries not at war with Russia — Macron

European countries are not at war with Russia and its people, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a speech in Dresden.

"We, the Europeans, are not at war with Russia and the Russian people," Macron said in comments that were broadcast on the Elysee Palace's X account, per TASS.

However, he said EU countries plan to continue providing assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The French president also said the Europeans support efforts for a long-lasting peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

Macron arrived in Germany on May 26 on the first state visit by a French president in 24 years for meetings with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Macron's schedule, which was made available by the Elysee Palace, includes a meeting of the Joint Defence and Security Council on May 28, followed by a joint meeting of cabinets from the two countries.