PARIS

France on Thursday raised fears that the “worst phase” of Russia's war on Ukraine was yet to start, with several major cities in danger of falling under Russian siege. 

"It is possible that the worst is ahead of us," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned during an interview on France 2 television channel, adding that he feared "a logic of siege in the big cities of Ukraine."

He said until now the Russian forces operated with the hypothesis of rapidly gaining entry into major urban cities, thus allowing them to have control of the country. However, this was not the case on the ground as they faced strong resistance from the courageous Ukrainians, he added.

"Therefore, we see threats of encirclement of the big cities. No city fell in their hands yesterday and the fighting continues in Mariupol and Kyiv," Le Drian said.

Since the war began a week ago, Russian forces have continued with heavy shelling in the capital Kyiv and claimed control over the southern city of Kherson. The city council authorities said that they surrounded Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, targeting civilian infrastructure, which left the port city without electricity and prevented aid or evacuation of injured people.

- 'No dialogue if there is no cease-fire'

The French top diplomat recalled the "siege" strategy at play in Ukraine was similar to the war tactics applied by Moscow against rebels of the Assad regime in Syria and Chechen separatists.

"The Russians are used to this – in Aleppo, Grozny. This could become serious."

The way forward to get out of this crisis was a cease-fire, Le Drian said, adding that the objective of the forthcoming UN Security Council was to achieve a cease-fire as well.

"There is no dialogue if there is no cease-fire. We cannot negotiate under terror," he underlined.

According to Le Drian, with the war on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to eliminate the existence of "a democratic country on his doorstep."

He said Putin wants to avoid having a democratic model around his country’s borders that could eventually influence the development of Russia.

- French nationals warned to leave Russia

Le Drian, who earlier expressed concern about the Russian offensive extending to Georgia and Moldova, will visit the latter country on Thursday to demonstrate solidarity.

His ministry also issued an emergency warning “strongly recommending” French nationals to leave Russia if their presence there was "not essential."

Given international sanctions and the closure of airspace between Russia and the EU, the Foreign Ministry recommended alternative routes via Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Gulf to return to France.