Emmanuel Macron spoke on Friday December 10 by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom he reaffirmed his determination to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, said the Elysee.
The two presidents "agreed on the need to re-engage in the negotiation format called 'Normandy', with the mediation of France and Germany", yet the French presidency said, adding that Emmanuel Macron had also planned to meet with Vladimir Putin in the coming days.
EU ready for further sanctions against Russia
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said on Friday that she hoped for a de-escalation on the part of Russia in the crisis with Ukraine, while saying she was ready for new economic and financial sanctions against Moscow.
During a press conference with the new German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, the President of the Commission stressed that the EU wanted to maintain good relations with Russia, but that it depended on the goodwill of the latter.
"We want a de-escalation and an end to all aggression against (Russia's) neighbors," she said.
"Otherwise, the European Union will seek to intensify its sanctions and take other measures in the economic and financial sectors, in agreement with our partners," said Ursula von der Leyen, adding that the "threatening" attitude of Moscow with regard to its neighbors compromised the security of Europe.
With AFP and Reuters
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