Russian leader Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron today.
The tasks of Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine would be fulfilled in any case, Putin reportedly told Macron.
The Russian president also urged his French counterpart to join efforts to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign citizens from Ukraine.
Putin reportedly explained that it was about demilitarisation and the neutral status of Ukraine, so that a threat to Russia would never come from its territory.
He said attempts to gain time by delaying negotiations would only lead to the emergence of new demands on Ukraine.
Russia invaded the European nation last week, triggering huge waves of economic sanctions from the international community.
Putin complains about Ukraine’s move to join NATO, a military alliance to which Russia doesn’t belong. But critics accuse the Russian leader of trying to revive the former USSR of which Ukraine used to be part.
