Zelenskiy and Macron talk on immediate de-escalation in east Ukraine

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a news briefing following their talks in Kyiv, Ukraine February 8, 2022. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron attend a news briefing following their talks in Kyiv, Ukraine February 8, 2022. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday he had an “urgent” phone conversation with the French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed possible ways of immediate de-escalation and political-diplomatic settlement in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine has reported an increase in ceasefire violations by Russia-backed separatists recently, and Kyiv’s Western allies are concerned that Russia is poised to launch a military offensive against Ukraine. Russia denies any plans to attack its neighbor.

“(I)Informed about the aggravation on the frontline, our losses, the shelling,” Zelenskiy wrote in a tweet.

“Informed about the aggravation on the frontline, our losses, the shelling of 🇺🇦 politicians & international journalists. Discussed the need and possible ways of immediate de-escalation & political-diplomatic settlement,” the Ukrainian leader further said.

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