Zakharova Calls on NATO and EU Countries to Comment on Putin-Macron Conversation

SadaNews - The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, has called on NATO and European Union countries to comment on the phone conversation that took place yesterday between the Russian and French presidents.

This was stated by Zakharova in an interview with "Sputnik" radio this morning, as she continued: "During the NATO and EU summits, they talked about firmness, sanctions, containment, and other matters. I would like to hear from them now how they assess their colleague's step: Did they agree on that at the NATO or EU summit? Did their ally warn them that he would make the call? Was this position agreed upon? At what level? Perhaps they will discuss all of this today; today is a day for questions for NATO and EU countries. Let them discuss it."

Zakharova also pointed out that the issue of the conversation should also be commented on by the French embassy in Russia, adding: "The embassy can comment too; when accusations begin against our country, they are good at speaking. However, now perhaps they can comment on the reality of the matter; we kindly ask for a response from the French side and to inform us of its motives and why now specifically, and what the motivation behind the conversation is?"

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for the first time in nearly three years, as the two leaders had not spoken for 1,024 days, according to the "Novosti" agency.

The Kremlin’s press office stated earlier on Tuesday that Putin and Macron had a phone conversation, indicating that it was substantial, as they discussed the situation regarding Ukraine, the Iranian-Israeli confrontation, and the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Speaking about the prospects for a Ukrainian settlement, President Putin said the Ukrainian conflict arose as a "direct result of Western policies." He emphasized that the loaded agreements "should be comprehensive and long-term" and that they must address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and be based on the new regional realities on the ground.

The Kremlin also reported that the two presidents emphasized the importance of respecting Tehran's legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy, and continuing to uphold its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, including cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The two leaders expressed their support for resolving the crisis related to the Iranian nuclear program through political and diplomatic means.

Source: RT