UKRAINE: How Putin responded to Macron’s concern about world food crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron had a call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that lasted over two hours, the Élysée Palace said Tuesday.

Macron warned Putin of the consequences of the war in Ukraine and called for an end to the “devastating aggression,” according to a statement from the Elysée Palace. Macron also “expressed his deep concern about Mariupol” and the situation in the Donbas region, it added. He also “called on Russia to allow the further evacuation of the Azovstal factory,” according to the statement.

According to the Kremlin, Putin told Macron about the progress of “the special operation to protect Donbas” and evacuation of civilians “held by the nationalists” from the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, using terms to justify his invasion of Ukraine.

Putin underlined that despite the “unpreparedness” of Kyiv authorities, Moscow is still open for dialogue.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said he wants to talk to Putin directly.

According to the Kremlin statement, Macron raised the issue of ensuring global food security. Putin in response said that the situation is complicated by the sanctions imposed by the Western countries.

CNN