Volodymyr Zelenskyy has snubbed the French president’s call for a truce between Russia and Ukraine during the Paris Olympics, saying it could give Russia the upper hand.

President Emmanuel Macron had suggested a temporary ceasefire, in line with the ancient Greece tradition that saw warring city-states lay down arms for the length of the Games. 

But Mr Zelenskyy said Russia could use the period to move its forces. 

“Let’s be honest… Emmanuel, I don’t believe it,” Mr Zelenskyy told news agency AFP. 

“Who can guarantee that Russia will not use this time to bring its forces to our territory?” he asked.

“We are against any truce that plays into the hands of the enemy.”

Vladimir Putin also dismissed the idea when asked about it on his visit to China, saying the Olympics were violating the principles of the Games by requiring Russian athletes to compete as neutrals.

“If you demand something from someone, you have to follow the rules yourselves first,” he said.