UKRAINE: Kremlin reveals what Putin told Macron

Russian President Vladimir Putin and France’s Emmanuel Macron had a meeting by phone on Monday, and both presidents made commitment amidst rising tensions between Russia and the NATO-led West and Europe.

During the call, the two sides “had a serious and thorough exchange of opinions around the situation in Ukraine,” the Kremlin said.

“French side has expressed its known views” about its hope for a quick settlements through dialogue and negotiations, the Kremlin readout stated.

“Vladimir Putin has stressed that such a settlement is only possible with unconditional consideration of Russia’s legitimate defense interests, including recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, solving tasks of demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine and ensuring its neutral status.”

Putin also added Russia is open for negotiations with Ukraine.

“Russian President has stressed that the Russian Armed Forces do not threaten civilians and do not strike civilian objects. The threat comes from Ukrainian nationalists who use the civilian population as a human shield, deliberately place striking weapon systems in residential areas, and who intensified shelling of cities in Donbas,” the statement read.

Putin and Macron agreed to remain in contact.