Macron says he intends to talk to Putin

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he is ready to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said this in an interview with the newspaper La Depeche on February 18.

"Of course, I will again talk with Vladimir Putin, if such a conversation will be useful for negotiations on the settlement of the situation in Ukraine," - said the French leader.

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On the same day, it was reported that France intends to hold a second meeting with European Union (EU) countries that were not at the first talks and with Canada to discuss the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine and the security of Europe.

The last telephone conversation between the presidents of Russia and France to date took place on September 11, 2022 at the initiative of Paris. At that time, Putin and Macron discussed the situation around Ukraine, including the safety of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and a food deal.