French President Macron speaks to Putin about supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine
According to the Élysée Palace’s website, French President Emmanuel Macron had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, Macron reminded Putin of the latter’s commitment to a constructive dialogue between Russia, France and Europe.
"The President recalled that France remains firmly committed to the full restoration of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and the effective implementation of the Minsk agreements as soon as possible," the website stated.
Putin and Macron also discussed the situation in Africa and Syria, particularly the ongoing siege of East Ghouta, and encouraged Russia to make every effort to stop warfare that causes civilian deaths.
Macron called on Russian authorities to "shed light" on the circumstances of the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal in British Salisbury and to regain firm control over programs that were not announced in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
While Macron can maintain diplomatic dialogue with Putin, France is still one of the nations that refuses to recognize the legitimacy of Russian presidential elections held in annexed Crimea.