PARIS, France, March 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Group of Seven nations Wednesday rejected easing punitive measures against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine as the Middle East war wreaks havoc on global oil markets, France's President Emmanuel Macron said.

"We also stated at this G7 meeting that this situation in no way justifies lifting the sanctions that exist against Russia," he said after a video call with other G7 leaders to discuss economic fallout from the US-Israeli war with Iran. The conflict has brought shipping traffic in the key Strait of Hormuz to a standstill.