Macron Calls Putin: What Was Discussed

The Presidents of Russia and France, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, discussed the situation surrounding Ukraine during a telephone conversation, including issues related to the safety of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. This was reported by the Kremlin press service on September 11.

The call was initiated by the French side.

“There was a detailed and candid exchange of views regarding the situation in Ukraine, focusing on the safety provisions for the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. The Russian side drew attention to the Ukrainian side's attacks on nuclear facilities, including the radioactive waste storage facility, which is fraught with catastrophic consequences. Putin informed Macron about the measures taken by Russia to ensure the physical protection of the nuclear power plant and emphasized the necessity of influencing the Kyiv authorities to stop the shelling of the plant,” the press service stated.

During the conversation, both sides expressed mutual readiness for a non-political cooperation concerning the situation around the Zaporizhia NPP with the participation of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“Vladimir Putin also emphasized that Ukraine's security forces, utilizing weapons supplied by Western countries, continue the mass shelling of civilian infrastructure in Donbass cities, resulting in civilian casualties,” the press service added.

Putin and Macron also discussed issues related to food security and reaffirmed their stance that exported grain should reach developing countries. The Kremlin underscored the importance of the European Commission not creating obstacles to the supply of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers to the markets of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

The leaders of the two countries agreed to continue dialogue on all issues raised at various levels, including ministerial meetings.