a new discussion between Emmanuel Macron, Vladimir Putin and Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor

A new telephone conversation took place on Saturday March 12 between Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the subject of the Ukrainian conflict. “The Élysée makes it known that the interview was frank and difficult. Emmanuel Macron sought to put Vladimir Putin face to face with his contradictions”, reports the journalist Valérie Astruc, in duplex of the Élysée. During the interview, the Russian president maintained that he did not attack civilians, to which Emmanuel Macron retorted: “These are lies.”

“The Élysée notes that the Russian president shows no desire to end the conflict”, continues the journalist. In total, this is therefore the 6th telephone call between the two heads of state, with little result. Emmanuel Macron seems to have taken on the role of mediator between Russia and Ukraine. “However, this evening, President Zelensky notes that Vladimir Putin no longer issues an ultimatum, and seems to be delighted”. The Russian president no longer uses the word “denazification” either. “Minimal inflections which give hope, hoping that this will be reflected on the ground”, concludes Valérie Astruc.