Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and his French colleague Emmanuel Macron spoke cautiously at the start of the consultations on solving the Ukraine crisis. On Monday in Moscow, Putin praised the efforts of the French representatives in solving security problems in Europe. This also applies to Ukraine. Russia and France shared concerns about the security situation in Europesaid Putin.
In consultations with Putin, Macron called for a “meaningful” response from Europe and Russia to end tensions. It is about avoiding war and building trust and stability. Macron did not initially give details of a possible de-escalation. The French President travels to Kiev on Tuesday.
Russia has massed more than 100,000 troops on Ukraine’s eastern border. In addition, according to NATO, 30,000 Russian soldiers are present in Belarus, where they are to hold maneuvers with the Belarusian military from February 10. The West fears an invasion of Ukraine, which the government in Moscow rejects.