Putin, Macron hold 'substantive dialogue' on Ukraine peace process & security guarantees

Russian President Vlimir Putin spoke with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Thursday for third time within seven days, to discuss a crisis near Ukrainian border and issue of security guarantees. According to official release by Kremlin, both Biden and Macron continued ir “substantive dialogue” on situation developing near Ukraine. leers also talked about establishment of long-term and legally binding security guarantees between Russia and West, said Kremlin. 

In conversation with Macron, Russian President cited “provocative statements and actions of Kyiv leership that run counter to Minsk agreements” on de-escalation of Ukrainian crisis. Before 3 February, both leers held phone calls on 28 and 31 January to discuss tensions between Moscow and NATO in past several weeks. US has even alleged a Russian invasion into Ukraine as Moscow is ramping up its military presence near border of former Soviet Union members. 

Separately, French presidency said in a statement that Macron also held talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. statement ded that Macron highlighted importance of discussing conditions to reach a strategic balance in Europe to both Putin and Zelensky. According to French President, it would le to a de-escalation of situation on ground and guarantee security on continent.

Earlier on Wednesday, Macron did not rule out possibility of him visiting Russia to discuss crisis over Ukraine with Kremlin leer Vlimir Putin. However, as Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, Macron ded that his plans to visit Moscow would depend on progress me in upcoming telephone talks with or world leers. Macron even spoke with US President Joe Biden on Wednesday and both sides affirmed ir support for Kyiv against Russia’s military build-up near Ukrainian border. 

Russia may produce video of 'fake Ukrainian attack' to justify invasion: US

Meanwhile, United States Department of Defence spokesperson John Kirby on Thursday that Russia is expected to produce a “very graphic propaganda video” in order to justify a real assault on its pro-West neighbour. dressing a press briefing, Pentagon spokesperson said that United States believed Russian government plans on staging an attack by Ukraine military or intelligence forces against Russian territory or against Russian-speaking people, which are significant in numbers in Kyiv. However, Kirby noted that this would all be part of a “fake attack” that would allow Moscow to inve former Soviet Union member using amassed troops.

(Image: AP)