The Presidents of France and Ukraine Discussed Situation in the Donbass

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embarked on a European tour and would visit France and Germany. After talks with French President Emmanuel Macron it was reported about a summit under the Normandy format in Paris. The bilateral talks between Makron and Zelensky lasted almost twice as long as the allowed hour. Following the meeting, the presidents gave a press conference. The main topic of the talks was the discussion of ways to end the war in Eastern Ukraine. “Europe cannot feel completely safe as long as Russia pretends that international law simply does not exist,” Zelensky said. In his opinion, the only key to peace in the Donbass is diplomatic and sanctions pressure. Emmanuel Macron assured his Ukrainian colleague of France's full support. President Maсron expressed his readiness to keep mediation mission in the dialogue with Russia. Both presidents see no alternative to the Normandy Format and the Minsk Agreements. “There could be a summit under the Normandy format in Paris to take account of the progress that has been achieved,” said Macron. He added that the summit should be preceded by a pre-expressed readiness for dialogue and new initiatives. The release of 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia in the Kerch Strait, as well as other Ukrainian political prisoners in Russian prisons, was called as specific gestures that preceded the summit. Radio Liberty