Ukraine, Macron meets Putin: “I hope this is the beginning of the de-escalation”

A meeting has begun between French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukrainian crisis. Distant and wearing a mask, without shaking hands due to anti-Covid rules, the two heads of state met in the Kremlin.

“Dialogue today is more important than ever, I hope it is the beginning of the de-escalation”, began the French president who, before his departure, had a round of talks with European leaders, NATO secretary general, Stoltenberg, and the American president, Joe Biden.

“I am happy to have the opportunity to discuss it personally”, said Putin welcoming the head of the Elysée, and stressing that the two countries “have a common concern about what is happening in the sphere of security in Europe”.