Putin, Macron discuss Ukraine issue over phone

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday held a phone conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed the situation in Ukraine.

Macron expressed his deep concern about the risks to nuclear safety, security and safeguards resulting from the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, and the urgent need for concrete measures to be taken to address these risks, French presidential palace the Elysee said in a press release after the phone conversation.

He stressed the absolute need to avoid any damage to the integrity of Ukrainian civilian nuclear facilities, whose safety and security must be ensured in accordance with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the proposals of its Director General.

“The President of Russia agreed that the IAEA should start work along these lines without delay. In this regard, the President of France stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all civilian nuclear facilities in the country under the responsibility of the competent Ukrainian authorities,” said the press release.

Macron called for respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilian populations and the delivery of aid. He stressed the importance of a negotiated solution that is fully acceptable to the Ukrainian people.

"Putin informed Macron in detail about the provocation staged by Ukrainian radicals in the area of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with the involvement of a sabotage group. Attempts to blame the Russian military for this incident are part of a cynical propaganda campaign," reported Xinhua, quoting a statement issued by Kremlin, adding that the physical and nuclear safety of the plant is well protected.

The two heads of state discussed the evacuation of civilians. Putin pointed out that Kiev has not yet implemented the negotiated agreements on such a pressing humanitarian issue.

Putin also informed the French president about the current state of the Russia-Ukraine talks, expressing readiness to "continue the dialogue under Kiev's unconditional compliance with Russia's known demands," said the statement.