Johnson to Macron: Ukraine’s voice must be central in any discussions

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a phone call to discuss ways to resolve tensions caused by Russia's military escalation near Ukraine’s borders.

That’s according to a statement by the Elysee Palace, Ukrinform reports.

It is noted that the conversation was preceded by the phone calls that Macron had this weekend with the presidents of Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the Chancellor of Germany.

"The leaders of both nations fully agree to take all useful steps in the coming days to maintain openness and ensure that the path of diplomacy prevails," the French president's office said.

In turn, Johnson's press service clarified: the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said that Putin's commitments to President Macron were a welcome sign that he might still be willing to engage in finding a diplomatic solution.

"The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine's voice must be central in any discussions," the statement said.

It is also noted that the interlocutors agreed on the need for both Russia and Ukraine to fulfill obligations under the Minsk agreements in full. At the same time, Johnson and Macron stressed that the Russian president must renounce his threats and withdraw troops from the Ukrainian border.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Sunday Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron discussed the security situation and supported the need to urgently convene a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group.

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