Merkel, Macron discuss with Putin 'passportization' of occupied Donbas
Ukrinform
German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron held a joint telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, May 21, according to the website of the German Federal Chancellery.
"The Chancellor and the French President discussed with the Russian President how, after the change of president in Kyiv, progress can be achieved in the implementation of the Minsk agreements," Merkel's spokesperson said.
Both Western leaders reiterated their criticism of the recent Russian decrees facilitating the introduction of Russian citizenship for Ukrainian citizens.
In addition, the sides discussed Russia's membership in the Council of Europe. Merkel and Macron are interested in Russia's remaining a member of this body. In this regard, they stressed the importance of swiftly resolving outstanding issues so that Russia could remain a member of the Council of Europe with all rights and obligations.
op
