Zelenskyy updates Macron on front-line situation and key threats in phone call
President Zelenskyy spoke with French President Macron on Sunday, briefing him on the battlefield situation and key threats, emphasizing the need for Europe's coordinated involvement in the diplomatic process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he had a phone call with French leader Emmanuel Macron. Zelenskyy stated that Macron is fully aware of all the details of the current diplomatic prospects.
The president emphasized the importance of every step in negotiations, in putting pressure on Russia, and in bringing peace closer being as well prepared and as closely coordinated with key partners as possible. "Our position is that Europe must be involved in the diplomatic process, and Europe's voice must carry weight," Zelenskyy said.
He briefed Macron on the battlefield situation and key threats. "Russia is doing everything it can to continue missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian territory, against our cities and villages. We discussed our options for countering these attacks, protecting lives, and the need for additional air defence systems. We very much hope for France's support and strong decisions," Zelenskyy added.
Background: At the European Council Summit in Brussels on 18 June, European Council President António Costa explained to EU leaders why he initiated the resumption of diplomatic contact with Russia. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Costa's attempts to establish diplomatic contact with Russia were wrong. It was also reported that the discussion about contact between Brussels and the Kremlin took up most of the time allocated to Ukraine at the EU summit.
