MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, about the situation at the talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations and expressed readiness for the continuation of the dialogue on conditions of the implementation of Russia’s demands, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday after their telephone conversation.
"Vladimir Putin informed [the French leader] about the situation at the talks between the Russian delegation and Ukrainian representatives. Readiness was expressed to continue dialogue, if Russia’s demands are implemented unconditionally," it said.
"The most important thing is to ensure that the Ukrainian side demonstrate a serious approach to the talks on agreements, which are essential for putting an end to combat operations," the Kremlin said.
The presidents agreed to continue contacts at various levels.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address on February 24 that in response to a request by the heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation in order to protect people "who have been suffering from abuse and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years." The Russian leader stressed that Moscow had no plans of occupying Ukrainian territories.
When clarifying the unfolding developments, the Russian Defense Ministry reassured that Russian troops are not targeting Ukrainian cities, but are limited to surgically striking and incapacitating Ukrainian military infrastructure. There are no threats whatsoever to the civilian population.