Overview
- President Emmanuel Macron said he is arranging direct contact with Vladimir Putin and wants the conversation to happen as soon as possible.
- He emphasized a push for peace that would not force Ukraine into capitulation.
- France will continue short-term support for Ukraine’s defense while outreach proceeds.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated readiness for dialogue contingent on mutual political will and formal proposals.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says maintaining U.S. participation in any talks is important.