The comments follow an unprecedented incident in which NATO fighters were scrambled twice within weeks to shoot down Russian drones. AdvertisementWhile NATO has said it is still investigating the incursions, Macron’s statement suggests a hardening of attitudes among some European leaders. While Trump has reportedly hesitated to impose further sanctions, pointing to Europe’s continued consumption of Russian energy, Macron argued that this was a “marginal” issue. “If it depends just on me, tomorrow [we would have new sanctions],” Macron said, calling for a “collective” European response. He stressed the need for a “stronger European pillar” within NATO, a project he has championed for years.