While the United States evokes an imminent attack on Ukraine by Moscow, President Macron exchanged with his Russian counterpart this Saturday, February 12.
Sincere dialogue is not compatible with an escalation, French President Emmanuel Macron told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during a telephone interview on tensions in Ukraine, the Elysee Palace announced. Five days after Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Moscow, the two Heads of State “discussed ways to move forward on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and continued their discussion on the conditions for security and stability in Europe “, specifies the presidency of the Republic in a press release.
No sign that Putin will go on the offensive
“They both expressed a willingness to continue the dialogue on these two points.” From a source at the Elysée Palace, it is added that Vladimir Putin said nothing during this interview which suggests that Russia is about to attack Ukraine. “We have no indication in what President Putin is saying that he is going to go on the offensive. We are nevertheless extremely vigilant and attentive to the Russian posture so that we can prevent the worst”, we said.
Emmanuel Macron, who is to meet by the end of the day with his American counterparts Joe Biden and Ukrainian Volodimir Zelenski, as well as with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, relayed the concerns of his European partners and of its allies with its interlocutor, said the Elysée. “He told President Putin that sincere dialogue was not compatible with escalation,” the statement continued. Vladimir Putin also spoke on Saturday with Joe Biden. On Friday, the White House national security adviser said that in Washington’s eyes, a Russian invasion of Ukraine was possible at any time.
It is recommended not to travel to Ukraine
France recommends that its nationals avoid travel to Ukraine. The country has entered the “red zone” in the Netherlands. The airline KLM immediately announced the suspension of flights to Ukraine until further notice. “The next flight to the capital Kyiv was scheduled for this evening, but will not be operated,” KLM said in a statement, adding that the decision followed “following code red-adjusted travel advice and a thorough safety analysis.” .
