the tensions between Russia and Ukraine at the heart of the discussions

European leaders are meeting on Wednesday December 15 in Brussels (Belgium). Tensions between Ukraine and Russia will be at the heart of the discussions at this European Eastern Partnership summit. “The situation is considered very worrying by many diplomats here in Brussels. Tens of thousands of Russian troops are deployed on the Ukrainian border“, reports journalist Julien Gasparutto, live from Brussels for the 8 Hours of France 2.

This summit will open in the afternoon with the Eastern Partnership, a group of countries located in eastern Europe. It brings together Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. “And just before this summit, Emmanuel Macron will meet in private with the Ukrainian president to discuss these tensions with Russia“, continues Julien Gasparutto. The head of state also spoke with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. “For Europeans, at this stage, the objective is de-escalation, and therefore deterrence, adds the journalist. The 27 will repeat that if Russia intervenes in Ukraine, it will expose itself to very heavy sanctions, but this sanctions policy has already been in place for seven years, since the annexation of Crimea by Russia, and so far, it did not really bear fruit. ”