Ukraine's Zelenskiy urges French firms to 'stop sponsoring the Russian war machine'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appears on a screen as he addresses French lawmakers via video link, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the National Assembly in Paris, France March 23, 2022. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

French companies including carmaker Renault and retailer Auchan must leave the Russian market, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told French lawmakers on Wednesday.

"Renault, Auchan, Leroy Merlin must stop being sponsors of the Russian war machine, stop financing the murder of children and women, of rape," he said. "French companies must leave the Russian market."