Macron: France is not at war with Russia, and I will keep in touch with Putin

SANAA, March 03 (YPA) –  French President Emmanuel Macron said that he will continue to communicate with Russian President Vladimir Putin to persuade him to “give up weapons” and prevent an aggravation of the conflict in Ukraine, pointing out that his country is not at war with Russia.

In a speech to the French people late Wednesday, Macron said: “While conducting permanent negotiations with… Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZelenskyI will also keep in touch – as long as I can and as necessary – with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to persuade him to give up arms to assist in the negotiations and prevent the conflict from spreading to the point where France can do so.”

The French president stressed that Paris was not at war with Russia and praised the role played by the Russian people in World War II.

He added, “Today, we are with the Russians, who do not want to wage this shameful war on their behalf, who have the responsibility and courage to protect peace.”

E.M