Peskov said there were no initiatives from Macron about talking to Putin

French President Emmanuel Macron, who, according to the French media, has not ruled out a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has not yet approached the Kremlin with such an initiative. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this on November 18, answering Izvestia's question.

"There have been no initiatives to this effect so far. Putin has repeatedly renewed his words that he remains open to all contacts and in no way the Russian side is curtailing these contacts. As soon as the desire appears from the French side or from other countries, they will be able to do it," the Kremlin official said at a briefing.

The day before, French television channel BFM TV reported that Macron admits holding talks with the Russian leader, but in a "suitable context."

Earlier, on November 15, German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on the talks between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Putin. Reuters specified that the phone conversation lasted an hour. Later, the German government also confirmed Scholz's call to the Russian leader. The Kremlin then said that the conversation included a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine.

On Nov. 17, Peskov said that the conversation between Putin and Scholz was businesslike, detailed and very frank, as the sides openly stated their positions on certain issues.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also said on Nov. 18 that he supported the start of talks with the Russian president despite criticism from NATO allies and Kiev.

The special operation to protect Donbass, which was announced to begin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.