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France and Germany will not hold talks with Russia in Ukraine’s stead, says Macron

It is up to Ukraine and its leadership to decide when and on what conditions to resume talks with Moscow, the French president says

KIEV, June 16. /TASS/. France and Germany will not hold talks on truce in Ukraine with Russia in Kiev’s stead, President Emmanuel Macron of France told reporters on Thursday.

Germany and France will never hold talks with Russia instead of Ukraine, nor will they offer any concessions on behalf of the country or discuss them, Macron told a news conference in Kiev, live-streamed by the Elysee Palace.

It is up to Ukraine and its leadership to decide when and on what conditions to resume talks with Moscow, he stressed.

"When time comes to gather at the negotiation table, Europe will discuss security guarantees proceeding from international agreements, which the Ukrainian president will pursue on behalf of his nation," said Macron. "That is what will dominate tomorrow’s talks with Russia," he added.

Security in the entire European continent is now at stake, he said. France, as well as Italy, Romania and Germany, whose leaders are also visiting Kiev today, will continue to support Ukraine "as long as needed," Macron assured.

Macron pledged further support with one reservation - a war must not be waged against the Russian people. Europe has not tried to provoke a global conflict, that is why it has confined itself to economic sanctions and political support for Kiev, he said.