In a series of high-level communications, French President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of sending troops to Ukraine has sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity. The French Armed Forces Minister, in a conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, as announced by the French Ministry of Defense. This conversation, which took place at the urgent request of the French side according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, also saw the French Minister strongly condemning a terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall and expressing solidarity with the victims' families. The call between the defense ministers, the first since 2022, was highlighted by both sides expressing a readiness for dialogue on the Ukraine conflict, potentially based on the "Istanbul Peace Initiative." However, Shoigu warned of problems for France should Macron's idea of sending troops to Ukraine be practically implemented, a sentiment echoed in media reports. Meanwhile, Moscow’s defense ministry claims readiness for talks on the Ukraine conflict, a claim Paris denies.
In rare call, Russian defence minister warns French counterpart against sending troops to Ukraine https://t.co/knMOa6lhRB
Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation : During the conversation between Shoigu and the head of the French Ministry of Defense, a readiness for dialogue on Ukraine was noted, and also that it could be based on the “Istanbul Peace Initiative”.
#Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu discuss the potential for talks on the #Ukraine conflict during a rare telephone call, Moscow’s defense ministry says, a claim Paris denies. https://t.co/iFQnrs2Dj7
Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu says any 'practical implementation' of French president Emmanuel Macron’s idea of sending troops to Ukraine would cause problems for France - Reuters
⚡Russian, French defense ministers call for first time since 2022. https://t.co/2xJdNFA6zI
❗️Negotiations between Shoigu and the French Armed Forces Minister took place at the urgent request of the French side - the Russian Ministry of Defense Panic sets in .. 1/2
❗️The French Armed Forces Minister, in a conversation with Shoigu, announced his readiness to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism - French Ministry of Defense
⚡️Sergei Shoigu spoke on the phone with the French Minister of Defense - media During the conversation, the head of the French Ministry of Defense strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.
Emmanuel Macron's comments about sending troops to #Ukraine may hold more than meets the eye https://t.co/oMimvVwljV